Thompson of obsolete places, created by those who are not in a politically sensitive position. In general, the current position of students of regional development is that capital investments in semi-permanent infra-structure -- interpreted broadly to range from transportation and utility systems to technical institutes and housing -- are most appropriate for small cities that have been designated as "growth poles." Investments in health and education, especially in younger persons, increase occupational and geographical mobility and are therefore most appropriate for remote small places with bleak futures, as well as the more direct and obvious relocation allow-ances.^ As general policy, so far so good; but it is an operational strategy that is so needed and so unclear. A few illustrations will, however, suggest the kinds of ques-tions that we need to address seriously. At what point in the de-population of a settlement is it appropriate for the next larger unit of government to assume responsibility for the financing and/or the provision of a given public service? Just as the county sheriff was responsible for the safety of the rural population before in-corporation, so too the sheriff could resume that function with contraction. Should the state reserve the right — practice the policy -- of revoking local government charters at some given stage of contraction? Turning from institutional arrangements to human resources, the order-of-march in migration, by age and education and whatever, 27 May 1971

DOI link for Thompson of obsolete places, created by those who are not in a politically sensitive position. In general, the current position of students of regional development is that capital investments in semi-permanent infra-structure -- interpreted broadly to range from transportation and utility systems to technical institutes and housing -- are most appropriate for small cities that have been designated as "growth poles." Investments in health and education, especially in younger persons, increase occupational and geographical mobility and are therefore most appropriate for remote small places with bleak futures, as well as the more direct and obvious relocation allow-ances.^ As general policy, so far so good; but it is an operational strategy that is so needed and so unclear. A few illustrations will, however, suggest the kinds of ques-tions that we need to address seriously. At what point in the de-population of a settlement is it appropriate for the next larger unit of government to assume responsibility for the financing and/or the provision of a given public service? Just as the county sheriff was responsible for the safety of the rural population before in-corporation, so too the sheriff could resume that function with contraction. Should the state reserve the right — practice the policy -- of revoking local government charters at some given stage of contraction? Turning from institutional arrangements to human resources, the order-of-march in migration, by age and education and whatever, 27 May 1971

Thompson of obsolete places, created by those who are not in a politically sensitive position. In general, the current position of students of regional development is that capital investments in semi-permanent infra-structure -- interpreted broadly to range from transportation and utility systems to technical institutes and housing -- are most appropriate for small cities that have been designated as "growth poles." Investments in health and education, especially in younger persons, increase occupational and geographical mobility and are therefore most appropriate for remote small places with bleak futures, as well as the more direct and obvious relocation allow-ances.^ As general policy, so far so good; but it is an operational strategy that is so needed and so unclear. A few illustrations will, however, suggest the kinds of ques-tions that we need to address seriously. At what point in the de-population of a settlement is it appropriate for the next larger unit of government to assume responsibility for the financing and/or the provision of a given public service? Just as the county sheriff was responsible for the safety of the rural population before in-corporation, so too the sheriff could resume that function with contraction. Should the state reserve the right — practice the policy -- of revoking local government charters at some given stage of contraction? Turning from institutional arrangements to human resources, the order-of-march in migration, by age and education and whatever, 27 May 1971