ABSTRACT
Current and historical data on the economy of an area are important to city planning. Such data contribute to an understanding of existing development patterns and historical trends in development and provide a framework for preparing employment projections and forecasts. Current and historical data are required on the number and type of jobs in the planning area, on the labor force of the area, and on income levels within the area. More specifically, economic studies have three purposes with respect to city planning:
1. To provide information that will assist the community in formulating economic development objectives and standards
2. To provide an independent basis for projecting and forecasting probable future population levels
3. To provide quantitative estimates of existing and probable future employment levels in the planning area for use in plan preparation
More refined employment data on occupational classifications and related data on unemployment rates, real property valuations, and tax rates may constitute additional important inputs to economic development planning as well as to comprehensive planning.
