Review
We now know that a rising tide does not lift all boats. As inequality has grown, economic development aimed at specific, low income neighborhoods is even more important than when the field first developed in the 1960s. This book provides a very comprehensive introduction to the varieties of economic development strategies, quite specific guidance on how to implement them, and good case studies to see this all in context. Part history, part manual, and part call to action, this book will be useful to all who want to make a difference in America's growing number of poor neighborhoods. -- Wim Wiewel, president, Portland State University
A long-overdue book that is realistic and does not minimize the significant challenges facing poor and isolated communities. Yet, at the same time, it is hopeful in capturing the energy, optimism, and successes in community-building initiatives across the United States. -- Margaret S. Sherraden, University of Missouri–St. Louis
Soifer, McNeely, Costa, and O'Brien's introduction to Community Economic Development in Social Work is as comprehensive as it is timely. Focusing on the 'role of community' and of 'community organizing,' they build on the untold history of community development and leaven that with a comprehensive and insightful discussion of what community economic development is, how it evolved, and how it works. Community Economic Development in Social Work should be read by anyone interested in confronting the growing economic disparities that plague our society―a set of interrelated issues that must be addressed if our society and economic system are to thrive. The book is one that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of social work and should be read by any agent of social change or advocate of equitable development and a just society. -- Ronald Shiffman, Pratt Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment, Pratt Institute School of Architecture
An important book that fills a gap in community development literature, demonstrating the juxtaposition of community development theories and practice in social work. More important, it traces our history in community development from its origins in civil rights, women's rights, labor organizing, and civic boosterism to community building, where we are today. -- Diane Lupke, president, Diane Lupke and Associates
About the Author
Steven Soifer, Ph.D., MSW is Professor and Chair of the Department of Social Work at the University of Memphis. He has expertise in a wide array of social welfare and social and economic development and research areas with diverse populations and has taught courses on social and economic development, social research, and community planning. Dr. Soifer has published numerous books, book chapters, and articles on community development, effective models and assessment of cooperatives, land trusts, the housing and banking markets, and policy interventions at the local, state, national, and international levels.
Joseph McNeely, MA, JD, is a longtime community development organizer at the grassroots and national level; writes and lectures widely on community economic development; and is currently the executive director of the Central Baltimore Partnership, one of the most powerful community development collaborations in reviving Baltimore.
Cathy L. Costa, MSW, MPH, is director of Baltimore for Healthy Babies, which engages more than one hundred community partners in activating Baltimore City's ten-year strategic plan to reduce infant mortality and improve the health of families with young children. At the Family League of Baltimore, she oversees community-based infant mortality reduction programs, social marketing campaigns, and evaluation, and she leads efforts to increase equity in birth and early-childhood outcomes and create trauma-informed service systems for families.
Nancy Pickering-Bernheim has been writing professionally for more than two decades on a variety of topics as a published author, featured writer for newspapers and magazines, and a nationally-syndicated blog.
