The Consequences of Institutionalized Access for Economic Development Policy Making in U.S. Cities

This article explores the effects of institutionalized access to economic development decision making using data from a 1989 survey conducted by the International City Management Association. The results demonstrate that the importance of institutionalized access is contingent on both the wealth of the community and the types of policies under consideration. Open decision processes generally impede the adoption of development policies. Tax abatement is found to be unique in that some types of access, most notably advisory committees appointed to represent the entire community, reduce the likelihood of adoption whereas public hearings increase the likelihood of adoption.