The State of the South, 2002: Shadows in the Sunbelt Revisited.

This report assesses conditions in the South since the original 1986 report "Shadows in the Sunbelt." Findings indicate that economic change is moving even more rapidly than in 1986. However, although several metropolitan areas have burgeoned and some rural communities have made a successful economic transition, many Southern places remain mired in long-standing problems such as low education and high poverty, and are overwhelmed by the newer forces of globalization and technological change. What's more, the recession of the early 21st century has hastened the collapse of low-wage, low-skill manufacturing upon which so many Southern communities depended, leaving many states too weak to help the people and places left behind. The "clarion call" to the South: You're in a whole different race. Run hard, but also run smarter. Recommendations include: (1) the one-dimensional, industry-chasing economic strategy must be reexamined in favor of a comprehensive economic development strategy that measures success by higher incomes and improved competitiveness, not simply numbers of new jobs; (2) states must modernize tax systems so they can provide excellent education, widely accessible job training, necessary infrastructure, and community amenities that stimulate economic advancement; (3) the South's universities and community colleges must prepare a new generation of civic leaders to address the region's challenges; and (4) to advance as a democratic society, the South should seek equity in its economic development. Appendices present population and job growth and indicators of well-being for Southern metro areas. (Contains 20 references.) (TD)