Convergent Development: Integrating Economic Development and Downtown Revitalization in Small Cities and Towns

Abstract

Traditional economic development and community development prioritize different strategies for improving community well-being, and they are often housed in different agencies at state and local levels. Although it may be beneficial to integrate these efforts, small communities may find it difficult to do so. The authors present case studies based on interviews with practitioners and observers of two micropolitan centers and one town that have taken steps to integrate some aspects of economic development with community development—specifically downtown revitalization. The issues precipitating these actions are explained, as well as a description of what the communities have done thus far to address them. The authors describe the process of organizing these responses, including how opposition was addressed, and some results to date. Recommendations for local actors and state governments are provided, to further the practice of integrating economic and community development in small cities and towns.