Conceptions of Local Economic Development: Comparing Citizen and Local Official Attitudes/ Laura A. Reese

This research compares citizen and local official attitudes about local barriers to, and assets that, facilitate local economic health and the underlying factors that lead to local fiscal distress. Using surveys of citizens and local government officials, the research indicates that both groups point to very traditional barriers to local economic growth as being important: lack of large employers, tax rates that are too high, and poor traditional infrastructure. While citizens and officials tend to see local economic distress emanating from the same causes, local officials are more likely to “blame” citizen opposition to attempts to increase revenues and the state for policies that negatively affect local governments. Citizens, on the other hand, are more likely to place blame on their local officials for corruption and mismanagement and for poor decisions regarding public employee pensions. The implications for local economic development policy are discussed.