These expert case studies focus on ways in which a variety of innovative local economic development programs have been implemented in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Authorities with varied experience show how policies and programs must fit into a political and legal system, meet specific external and environemtnal requirements, serve certain groups and settings, and bring about tangible results. Students and scholars, policymakers and practitioners, economists and businessmen, labor and government specialists, and public administrators will find these case studies illuminating.

This comparative study first gives an overview of innovative policies and programs on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. The surveys range from South Bend, Indiana, Baltimore, Maryland, and New Orleans, Louisiana, to the Ruhrgebiet, Germany, West Scotland, Wales, and Northamptonshire, United Kingdom. Among other issues the case studies cover waterfront development, urban revitalization, regional reconstruction, job preservation, and proactive community development.