last modified: Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Course Description
This course provides students with background in some of the methods used by economic development planners to understand a local economy and to identify directions for planning action. Students learn to use the methods, understand and critique reports that use the methods, and assess the problems of a local economy.

Topics (partial list):
location quotients
economic base models / multipliers / forward + backward linkages
input-output
regional economic statistical compendia.
shift-share (industry sector analysis)
GINI coefficients
measures of poverty and spatial inequality / uneven development
cost-benefit analysis
economic impact analysis / policy evaluation
retail trade area analysis
economic development finance techniques (including tax increment financing)

Prerequisites
No prerequisites, though this course complements UP538 (Economic Development Planning) taught in the fall semester.

Assignments
Students will work on both individual and group projects, applying methods to the analysis of actual local and regional economies and evaluations of economic development policies.

Required Readings
[to be announced]
Additional readings will be available either through the university electronic reserves or through external web links.