Economic Development Investments of Ten States: A Descriptive Analysis

Abstract

Like the U.S. economy, the Kansas economy is in a state of transition, with the Kansas economy performing below national averages. To encourage growth, the state of Kansas initiated an economic development strategy in 1986. Kansas is not alone in its efforts to encourage economic growth through economic development programs. Other states are also funding economic development initiatives to en­courage economic growth. To determine how funding for Kansas economic development compares to funding in other states, Kansas’ economic development programs’ expenditures (FY 1989) and appropriations (FY 1990) were compared with expenditures and appropriations made by selected states. The purpose of the study was to determine the overall spending for economic development programs in Kansas and selected states and the distribution of funds across six areas of economic development program activity.