ABSTRACT
The phasedown in the Vietnam War and the cutbacks in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration space program in 1970-1971 prompted the formation of the president's Economic Adjustment Committee in March 1970. Concerted attention was given in creating an effective local economic development organization in each of the impacted communities—with strong emphasis on private sector leadership. The documentation of these community economic adjustment experiences in the early 1970s was very limited. The effects of a dislocation on a community can be very painful. When a major dislocation occurs, the "ripple effects" are often felt throughout the entire community. The Economic Adjustment Committee played an instrumental role in helping to focus action in the community. The Wichita Regional Economic Adjustment Committee was established at the end of August 1971 to advise the city and county commissioners on actions that could be taken to strengthen the local economy.
