Economic Development Self-Assessment Tool
NLC and Northeastern University’s Kitty and Michael Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy have engaged in a partnership to offer direct assistance to cities. Enrolled cities will receive a tool to assess their economic strengths and weaknesses and practical strategies for attracting and expanding private investment, a sustainable tax base, and well paying jobs.
NLC America Downtown
The NLC America Downtown® Program is a highly successful, fee-based, comprehensive technical assistance program that provides direct, hands-on help to city officials who want to start, refocus, or energize their Downtown enhancement efforts.
Public Private Partnerships its Benefits and Pitfalls (September 2010)
As the recession continues and budget challenges worsen, cities across the country are increasingly considering collaborations with the private sector to preserve services and development in their communities. This webcast, produced with the support of International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), focuses on the structure, benefits, potential pitfalls and strategies of public-private partnerships.
Privatizing Municipal Services (September 2010)
With constrained municipal resources, local governments are exploring new ways to reduce costs and infuse innovation by privatizing municipal services. While privatization can be an effective management and service delivery tool, it remains a complicated and controversial process. This NLC Municipal Action Guide explores the issues of privatization by providing pros and cons, actions steps, and city examples.
The Role of Local Elected Officials in Economic Development: 10 Things You Should Know (June 2010)
This report identifies fundamental ways elected officials can become informed leaders and strategic decision-makers in economic development. Understanding local economic strengths and weaknesses in a regional context; establishing a vision and goals; and working with businesses, staff and stakeholders are some of the topics covered.
State of America's Cities Survey on Jobs and the Economy (May 2010)
The annual State of America’s Cities Survey finds that despite upticks in some measures of national economic recovery, data indicates that declining fiscal and economic conditions persist in America’s cities.
State of America's Cities 2009: Local Retail Slowdown (March 2009)
The annual State of America’s Cities Survey finds that city officials around the country are reporting declining retail sales, increases in retail store closings in their communities, and that locally owned retailers on main street are particularly vulnerable.
City Developer Relations: Working Together Toward Successful Redevelopment (November 2008)
Both city officials and developers express frustration when working together on redevelopment projects. This Municipal Action Guide offers a starting point to simplify the process, by presenting a conversation between a city official and developer with corresponding city examples on four key themes: public benefits; the local development review process; project selection; and community visioning.
Retail Redevelopment (May 2008)
Cities across the country have redeveloped their abandoned regional malls, poorly maintained strip centers, and other retail spaces into community assets. This City Practice Brief offers examples of projects that suburban cities have undertaken.