Making the least of our differences? Trends in local economic development in Ontario and Michigan, 1990-2005.

This paper examines trends in local economic development policies in Canadian and U.S. cities over the past fifteen years. Using data drawn from surveys conducted at four points in time -- 1990, 1994, 2001, and 2005 -- the study provides a longitudinal assessment of change versus stability in overall approach toward economic development. Findings indicate that Canadian and U.S. cities have followed relatively similar trajectories in the extent to which they use particular economic development policies. Overall, the most common economic development policies in both nations have been and continue to be very similar: infrastructure investment generally, land development, basic promotion, and the use of special events to attract and retain businesses and residents and to promote the community. Thus, there is a visible pattern of the "least of differences" among cities in Michigan and Ontario in their development strategies and approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]