American Hometown Renewal by Gary Mattson

American Hometown Renewal by Gary Mattson

Before the interstates, Main Street America was the small town’s commercial spine and served as the linchpin for community social solidarity. Yet, during the past three decades, a series of economic downturns has left many of the great small cities barely viable. American Hometown Renewal is the first book to combine administrative, budgetary, and economic analysis to examine the economic and fiscal plight currently facing America’s small towns. Featuring a blend of theory, applications, and case studies, it provides a comprehensive, single-source textbook covering the key issues facing small town officials in today’s uncertain economy. Written by a former public manager, university professor, and consultant to numerous small towns in the Heartland, this book demonstrates the ways in which contemporary small towns throughout the nation are facing economic challenges brought about by the financial shocks that began in 2008. Each chapter explores a theme related to small town revival and provides a related tool or technique to enable small town officials to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. Encouraging local small town officials to look at the economic orbit of communities in a similar manner as a town’s budget or a family’s personal wealth, examining its specific competitive advantages in terms of relative assets to those of competing communities, this book provides the reader with step-by-step instructions on how to conduct an asset inventory and apply key asset tools to devise a strategy for overcoming the challenges and constraints imposed upon spatially-fixed communities. American Hometown Renewal is an essential primer for students studying city management, economic community development, and city planning, and will be a trusted handbook for city managers, geographers, city planners, urban or rural sociologists, political scientists, and regional microeconomists.

"Gary Mattson’s American Hometown Renewal is an overdue analysis of small towns’ predicaments and prospectsThe sweeping methodical work testifies to the author’s knowledge of all facets of small-town life from budgets to building codes’ impacts. In a land where anecdote and ideology have blinded observers of countryside, the author demonstrates clarity of sight and presence of mind. He captures the actors, organizations, instruments, and systems that define this America, and he offers hope to those who seek changes. Mattson complements a solid theory- and numbers-based approach with much-needed color including literary references and cultural anecdotes. The result is an indispensable compendium for any scholar, official, or activist interested in the American small towns. The book should be mandatory foundational reading for all policymakers and all students in public administration programs." –Anthony J. Amato, Southwest Minnesota State University, USA

"This book provides a comprehensive account of the challenges facing small town America in the early 21st century. What sets this book apart from others is the thoroughness of the background provided, enabling city officials to fully understand the forces and policies that have given rise to the current situations that they are facing. In addition, the book provides the reader with useful tools—methods of Community Asset Assessment Analysis—that enables planners and city officials to analyze their community’s situation and thus, better understand what actions to take to bring about positive change in the future." –Susan Bradbury, Iowa State University, USA

"American Hometown Renewal is a passionate and practical guide to planning and revitalizing communities. Although focused on the experiences of smaller cities in the American Midwest heartland, the economic and social planning issues, tools, and insights presented can be applied to small towns across the country. Dr. Mattson has written an essential guide that is sensitive to the conditions and needs of small town America, while providing a focus on understanding and rejuvenating their economic vibrancy." –Alan A. Lew, Northern Arizona University, USA

"American Hometown Renewal is a vital resource for small-town leaders and officials, offering a comprehensive look at the challenges facing the Heartland’s small towns and suggestions for how to best assess and address them. Mattson recognizes the importance of place, space, and community for small-town dwellers, and focuses on including these concerns in the planning process. This book provides a vital set of tools, strategies, and analytical stances that can be used in community planning and policy making, making clear their links to civic functioning and economic and social viability. It is a must-read for those invested in the future of American small towns and their positions within the global economy." –Jennifer Sherman, Washington State University, USA

Gary A. Mattson, Ph.D. AICP, is a charter member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, was a practitioner for 15 years, has served on several state commissions or boards, and was a college professor of public management and city planning for more than 20 years. He is currently Associate Professor of Public Administration at Northern Kentucky University, USA.

SKU	Nicht verfügbar
ISBN 13	9780765639325
ISBN 10	0765639327
Titel	American Hometown Renewal
Autor	Gary Mattson
Buchzustand	Nicht verfügbar
Bindungsart	Paperback
Verlag	Taylor & Francis Ltd
Erscheinungsjahr	2016-10-03
Seitenanzahl	492
Hinweis auf dem Einband	Die Abbildung des Buches dient nur Illustrationszwecken, die tatsächliche Bindung, das Cover und die Auflage können sich davon unterscheiden.
Hinweis	Nicht verfügbar