Agents of Economic Development: An Essential Guide for Navigating Good, Bad, & Uncertain Times
Practical guide to plan resilient economic development through growth and uncertainty.
Agents of Economic Development: An Essential Guide for Navigating Good, Bad, & Uncertain Times is a practical book designed to help communities and organizations strengthen their economic development efforts across changing market conditions. It serves economic development professionals, local government leaders, nonprofit partners, and stakeholders who need a clear framework for making decisions during periods of growth, disruption, or recovery. The guide explains the roles and responsibilities of economic development “agents” and offers actionable approaches for assessing local conditions, aligning partners, and selecting strategies that fit both opportunity-rich and resource-constrained environments. By translating complex economic development challenges into structured guidance, it supports better planning, communication, and prioritization. Readers gain value through improved readiness, more resilient program design, and increased confidence in navigating uncertainty while advancing long-term community goals.