The Federal Role in Community Economic Development

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How should the federal government support community economic development? "Accountable development" seeks to have the community actually participate in directing where federal funds go. Community leaders can negotiate "community benefit agreements" that tie specific obligations such as local hiring and contracting, living wages, job training, affordable housing, community services, and community-based capital investments to receiving any federal tax incentives.

By Scott L. Cummings and Benjamin S. Beach From May-June 2006