“Human-sized” economic development: Innovations in Missouri

Traditional approaches to community development have bypassed many poor communities. This paper reports on findings from a statewide survey of 171 organizations in Missouri about innovative approaches to community economic development (CED). These “human- sized” CED approaches include homeownership. microenterprise, saving, and neighborhood development. Although enthusiastic, respondents identify challenges to service delivery, including funding, reaching low-income families, staff recruitment and training, economic education, building partnerships, serving rural areas, and ensuring that the poor have a voice in their own development. Accordingly, recommendations for enhancing CED include increases in support to assist communities and households generate greater wealth, community participation, partnerships among public and private for-profit and nonprofit entities, access to information and education on CED, public awareness, and attention to rural issues.