Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. The Enduring argument for local economic development planning -- 2. The Influence of national and state policies on local economic development -- 3. Concepts and theory of local economic development -- 4. The Local economic development profession and professionals -- 5. The Local economic development planning process -- 6. Introduction to analytical methods for local economic development planning -- 7. Local economic development strategy -- 8. Locality development -- 9. Business development -- 10. Human resource development -- 11. Community economic development -- 12. Building the implementation plan -- 13. Institutional approaches to local economic development -- 14. Local economic development planning's response to the flatter and climate-challenged world

Now thoroughly updated for the challenges of the 21st century, and with new coverage of sustainability, the Fifth Edition explores the theories of local economic development while addressing the issues and opportunities faced by cities, towns and local entities to craft their economic destinies within the global economy.