articles

As discussed during class this week, effectively managing Economic Development is a critical "principle of city management". In today's constantly changing fiscal landscape this has become an increasingly challenging endeavor. For this week's BlackBoard Discussion I would like you to read and reflect on the two attached New York Times articles on the topic. They do an excellent job illustrating the complex and nuanced challenges associated with economic development at both the State and National level. This is an especially important topic and we will not have an online discussion next week, this post will be worth 10 points.

As Companies Seek Tax Deals, Governments Pay High Price - NYTimes.com.pdf

Texas Business Incentives Highest in Nation - NYTimes.com.pdf 

Using your textbook readings as a base of knowledge, please craft a brief (3 - 4 paragraph) analysis of these articles through the lens of City Management. Some potential leading questions to get you started ...

- What thoughts emerged from your reading of each article? 

- What considerations or implications do you see for City Mangers?

- Do you think the general public grasps the trade offs associated with incentives? Should they be better educated?

These are just guiding questions to get you started ... don't be limited by them.