Fitzgerald, Joan : Northeastern University, Boston
Leigh, Nancey Green : Georgia Institute of Technology
Summary
Economic Revitalization is unique in that it discusses leading revitalization strategies in the context of both
city and suburban settings, offering case studies of program development and implementation.
In Economic Revitalization: Cases and Strategies for City and Suburb Fitzgerald and Leigh answer the need for a
text that incorporates social justice and sustainability into how we think about and practice economic development.
The book is one of the first to talk about how revitalization strategies are implemented in both cities and suburbs,
particularly inner-ring suburbs that are experiencing decline previously associated only with inner-city neighborhoods.
After setting the context with a brief history of economic development practice and its shortcomings, Fitzgerald
and Leigh focus on six economic development strategies: sectoral strategies, Brownfield redevelopment, industrial
retention, commercial revitalization, industrial and office property reuse, and workforce development. Each of
these chapters begins with an overview of the strategy and then presents cases of how it is being implemented.
The cases draw from Atlanta, Chicago and its suburbs, Emeryville, Kalamazoo, Louisville, New Haven, Portland, Sandy
Springs, and Seattle (and suburban King County). They illustrate the tradeoffs often made in achieving one goal
at the expense of another. Although they admit that some of the cases come up short in illustrating a more equitable
and sustainable economic development practice, Fitzgerald and Leigh conclude with an optimistic view that the field
is changing.
The book is aimed at students and practitioners of economic development planning who seek to foster stronger economies
and greater opportunity in inner cites and older suburbs. It is also meant to assist planners in thriving new towns
and suburban communities seeking to avoid future economic decline as their communities mature.
Economic Revitalization:
Discusses practice in both suburban and inner-city settings
Integrates the planning values of social justice and sustainability into the discussion of implementation strategies
Includes cases that reveal the political nature of the planning process and the types of tradeoffs that often
must be made
Provides insights for planners seeking to adopt "best practice" programs from other localities
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Redefining the Field of Local Economic Development
2. Sectoral Development Strategies for New and Old Industries
3. Brownfield Redevelopment for Equitable Community Revitalization
4. Industrial Retention: Multiple Strategies for Keeping Manufacturing Strong
5. Commercial Revitalization in Central Cities and Older Suburbs
6. The Reuse of Office and Industrial Property for Sustainable Urban Development
7. Job Centered Economic Development: Linking Workforce and Local Economic Development
8. Conclusion: Strategies and Progress for Local Economic Development
