Welcome to the New Journal

• As Two Ships: the History of American State and Local Economic Development Since 1789 to the 1980’s

American state and local economic development (ED) has been around since Day One (1789) of the American Republic—it didn’t start in 1937, 1945 or 1965. Recognizable forms of many current ED strategies, tools and programs can be found by the 1880's. My recently-published “History of American State and Local Economic Development, 1789-1990: As Two Ships Pass in the Night” (As Two Ships) presents our historical evolution from George Washington to 1990—all 752 pages of it. My next two issues of the Journal will present twelve observations (six per issue) drawn from As Two Ships. I will infuse them with additional insight to provide perspective and a foundation for future issues of the Journal and make them easier to apply to current events. These observations will provide a background and a base from which to rethink one's ideas regarding the history--and purpose--of American state and local economic development. They will open you to new ways on how to approach your job, research, and your profession. This issue will discuss the core fundamentals of my history and also will introduce what the book labels the “Chapter One Model” .

Ron Coan

PH D.

Ron is the Editor for the Journal of Applied Research in Economic Development (C2ER). He is also currently a Senior Fellow, Center For Regional Economic Competitiveness and Adjunct at Johns Hopkins, Carry School of Business, The Edward St John Real Estate Program teaching graduate courses in Economic Development.

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The Journal of Applied Research in Economic Development is produced by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). Founded in 1961, C2ER is a membership organization that promotes excellence in community and economic research by working to improve data availability, enhance data quality, and foster learning about regional economic analytic methods. Learn more about C2ER at www.c2er.org.

The Macro Economic Environment: The New Normal Local Culture, Politics, and Economic Development The Art and Dubious Science of Targeting and Picking Winners Innovation and Knowledge Based Economies Clusters and Regionalism Famous Books by Famous Authors Traditional Strategies and Tools of Local Economic Development