CED 435Financial Strategies for Economic Development

3 credits · Community Environment and Development · Penn State

How do communities pay for and support economic development activities? This course dives into the tools and strategies used to fund local projects-from grants and tax increment financing to public-private partnerships and state and federal programs. Through case studies and hands-on work, you'll identify local economic challenges, design financing plans, and learn how to communicate these ideas to stakeholders like county commissioners, agency leaders, and community members. You'll explore funding options, read financial documents, and evaluate trade-offs between different options. Along the way, you'll gain skills and experience that connect directly to careers in community planning, community and economic development, and nonprofit leadership.