Repurposed Federal Economic Development Programs

Abstract

Markusen and Glasmeier offer a policy-driven road map for a restructured and revitalized federal role in economic development for the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA). A review of EDA's history and a survey of similar programs suggest that, in addition, long-term political sustainability requires program appropriations specific as to amount, finite as to duration, and appropriate as to the level of economic distress. EDA should (a) substantially increase funding and expansion of the local planning and technical assistance network; (b) enhance relationships with state governments; (c) rebuild the agency's regional and state office infrastructure; (d) focus the national office on a robust role in research, evaluation, demonstration, and dissemination; (e) allocate major funding for significant national problems such as out-sourcing, public infrastructure replacement, and climate change transition; and (f) provide a hold-harmless funding component for traditionally distressed communities.