ABSTRACT
The importance of effective community plan i g and leadership cannot be overstated especially during times of major econ mic transition. Elected officials, community leaders, and residents who understand local conditions can then design strategies that build o assets and development options in their community. A common approach to designing a long-term strategy for ommunity and economic development involves visioning/plan ing initiative based on input from a broad cros -section of resident . This type of proces has been used by businesses for many years as they try to evaluate long-term investment strategies.
