Course Syllabus

Class Meeting: T and TH 11:10 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. SPEA 275

Course Description: This course presents concepts, theories, and practices of sustainable local economic development. Lectures, guest speakers, readings, and a final applied project will prepare students to provide professional recommendations and analysis of economic development policies and implementation strategies.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the semester, students should be able to:

• Understand and apply theories and models of economic development into practice.
• Grasp key financial and non-financial concepts that local economic developers can use to promote, attract, and retain economic development in a city.
• Approach economic development through an equity and sustainability lens.
• Understand and put together various economic development plans (e.g., an economic development strategic and/or workforce development plan).
• Learn and utilize various economic development tools – e.g., a Location quotient analysis and/or TIF analysis.
• Develop an ability to understand and analyze current and/or historical events, policies, and practices, and how those past and current events, policies, and practices may have contributed towards the economic and community development challenges that we in society encounter today.

During the semester, students will work in teams to:

Complete a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) alternative plan for the White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians (hereinafter referred to as the "White Earth Nation"). 

The components of a CEDS plan are to: 

• Establish clear economic development goals and priorities for the White Earth tribal Nation 

• Ensure tribal history, culture, and values guide economic development direction 

• Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) affecting the Nation 

• Establish a 5-year action strategy and plan for economic and workforce development  

• Support long-term economic resiliency and diversification for the tribal nation and region

• Provide an implementation and evaluation framework for leadership 

The benefits of a CEDS plan are to: 

• Strengthen the competitive advantage of the tribe 

• Strengthen the eligibility and competitiveness for federal and external funding 

• Improve White Earth’s ability to prioritize and leverage partnerships 
• Identify their economic development clusters through the completion of a Location Quotient analysis and report
• Understand their entrepreneurship economic system through the creation of a memo with recommendations to the BCEDC to strengthen the ecosystem.

Attitudinal/Disposition Outcomes 

• Civic Responsibility and Empathy 
• Increased sense of responsibility to contribute positively to communities and an understanding of diverse stakeholder needs. 
• Appreciation of Local Contexts 
• Recognition of the value of local history, culture, and identity in shaping economic development strategies. 
• Collaborative and Ethical Mindset 
• Respect for community voices and ethical considerations in planning processes. 

Integrative Learning Outcomes 

• Bridging Theory and Practice 
• Applying academic concepts from coursework in a practical, messy, real-world setting. 
• Reflective Learning 
• Engaging in reflection (oral or written) to evaluate what was learned, what worked, and how to improve in future projects. 
• Portfolio Development 
• Producing a high-quality deliverable (CEDS alternative plan) that can be included in a professional portfolio for future employment or academic advancement. 

Texts: Koven, S. & Lyons, T. (2010) Economic Development Strategies for State and Local Practice, 2^nd Edition. ICMA Press. Washington, D.C.

Other required readings: As assigned in Canvas.