Using data from surveys of businesses in Ohio metropolitan areas, the author investigates the limited impact of economic development programs. She identifies the similarities and differences between businesses that participated in these programs and those that had not received government assistance. Nonparticipants lacked information about types of assistance available, were concerned about procedural problems, and expressed negative attitudes toward government. She suggests that decreased reliance on requests for service and an emphasis on retention of existing firms will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of economic development programs.
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