Economic Development Investments of Ten States: A Comparison

Abstract

For some time, the Kansas economy has been in a state of transition and performing below national averages. Therefore, the state initiated an economic development strategy in 1986 in order to encourage economic growth. Other states have also undertaken economic development efforts to improve their economies This study, which was funded by Kansas Inc. and the Kansas Department of Commerce, compares Kansas' economic development program expenditures (FY 1989) and allocations (FY 1990) to nine selected states. The purpose of the study was to determine: (1) overall spending for economic development programs in Kansas and the selected states and (2) distribution of state funds across seven areas of economic development program activity.