ABSTRACT
In this chapter, I review some of the strengths and weaknesses of place-based approaches to poverty alleviation and unemployment. I discuss how place-based projects have evolved over time and argue that both the government and non-profit sector could enhance their effectiveness of these programs in poor neighborhoods and communities. I contend that institutional innovation is necessary to counter some of the external influences on poor and working-class neighborhoods. These grassroots efforts can be effectively linked to larger organizations and institutions that provide key resources and networks for communities.
