Policy & Data
The Strategic Development Organization: Visionary Leadership For State Economic Development
This report from Jobs for the Future, published in August 1992, examines Strategic Development Organizations (SDOs) and their role in state economic development.
Poverty and Work: Utilization of Labor Resources Among the Rural Poor
This report, "Poverty and Work: Utilization of Labor Resources Among the Rural Poor," by Jill L. Findeis and Stephen M. Smith, was prepared for the Ford Foundation's Rural Poverty Program and the Rural Economic Policy Program of the Aspen Institute in November 1992.
Form Without Substance, Past Over Present: The Institutional Failure Of National U.S. Rural Policy
This document, titled "FORM WITHOUT SUBSTANCE, PAST OVER PRESENT: THE INSTITUTIONAL FAILURE OF NATIONAL U.S. RURAL POLICY" by William P. Browne, examines how Congress makes policy, particularly focusing on the use of information and sources of information. The central theme is that Congress is a reactive institution whose choices are limited by its rules.
Charting a New Economic Future: Building a Public Constituency for Workforce Issues
This report explores the urgent need for policymakers to involve the public in discussions about the economy and the labor market. It also suggests ways policymakers can increase public awareness of these issues. The document highlights a gap between public and policy leaders' understanding of workforce issues, citing a 1991 study by the Public Agenda Foundation.
State Economic Development Programs and Local Needs
Study explores the broad subject of economic development in the rural state of Mississippi from the perspective of locally elected policy makers.
Economic Development and Commerce Policy State Policy Reports
Report analyzes the impacts of eight rural initiatives put in place under the Bush Administration in 1990.
How Strategic Development Organizations Can Be Effective for State Governments
This report seeks to examine state economic development policy processes in terms of effectiveness.
Unprecedented Disparities, Unparalleled Adjustment Needs: Winners and Losers on the NAFTA ‘Fast Track’
This paper illustrates that the magnitude of disparities among proposed partners of NAFTA is greater than any disparities that have been associated with prior successful free trade experiences.
Project Overview and Survey Results: Introduction to the RDLF/ IRP Evaluation
Purpose of research is to evaluate the Intermediary Relending Program, a business development program operated by FmHA.
Gearing Up for Success: Organizing a State for Rural Development
Purpose of this book is to provide states-and their rural development partners- with some guidance that will better enable them to create and implement successful rural development strategies.
Forwarding the Rural Development Agenda
Report serves as an intelligence gathering support document in order to suggest areas to focus capacity development efforts in terms of issues needing to be addressed, possible approaches and suggested target audiences for the Aspen Institute's Rural Development Program.
Designing Development Strategies in Small Towns
Paper highlights need for competent assessment of community resources and opportunities alongside more effective local planning and action.