Economic development transforms a traditional dual-system society into a productive framework in which everyone contributes and from which receives benefits accordingly. Economic development occurs when all segments of the society benefit from the fruits of economic growth through economic efficiency and equity. Economic efficiency will be present with minimum negative externalities to society, including agency, transaction, secondary and opportunity costs. An economic development plan is a carefully built framework that's long-term in scope. It's used to help communities across diverse situations. When planning for economic development, the goal is to create and maintain a strong, vibrant local economy. Local government economic development planning is part of a region's overall economic development strategy and involves intergovernmental coordination. The economic development plan provides a comprehensive overview of the economy, sets policy direction for economic growth, and identifies strategies, programs, and projects to improve the economy. Economic planning, the process by which key economic decisions are made or influenced by central governments. It contrasts with the laissez-faire approach that, in its purest form, eschews any attempt to guide the economy, relying instead on market forces to determine the speed, direction, and nature of economic evolution. Finally, the author reminiscences on the excitement that was aroused during the initial period of development planning as well as decline in the expectations from the planning process and its importance. This book imparts the basic information about the economic development and planning of the world.

This ground-breaking text offers alternative models for critical evaluation of the values behind and the success of local-level economic development policies.

This report documents the economic condition of the county. Details the demographics and socioeconomic status, key industries and sectors, employment and labor force, housing, workforce education and transportation of Santa Cruz County.