ABSTRACT
This chapter examines local development as a leadership and organizational process, and reviews the role of federal programs in assisting local efforts. Local leadership of development projects was a formidable undertaking for small-town elected officials, often consuming much time and energy. Federal policy and resources are better devoted to dealing directly with the basic income and quality of life inequities in rural America, the same argument suggests. Economic development responsibilities are also shared with regional substate agencies. The multi-county organizations are the most active forces for boosting local economies in many parts of rural America. Participation in both fiscal and mandated programs has complicated the job of governing small communities and rural areas—adding numerous requirements, increasing costs, and cutting into local autonomy and discretion. Rural development is primarily a responsibility of the states, regions, and communities directly affected, with federal assistance playing a secondary but important part in helping to correct inequities in community conditions.
