Local and regional economic development in the United States has long been shaped by neoliberal assumptions that treat communities as marketplaces and prosperity as a competition. This course approaches the topic as a space for reimagining something more equitable and life-affirming. We will examine how economic and community development became intertwined, explore the contradictions and pressures influencing today’s political climate, and study how communities across the country are responding with creativity, care, and new models for shared well-being while creating robust and resilient economies.
Students will engage with practical qualitative approaches drawn from contemporary development practice to cultivate community-centric, place-rooted possibilities. Through key readings, and regional examples and case studies, we will analyze community strategic plans, consider pathways beyond extractive development models, and craft resilient strategic visions for resilient and thriving futures.