SW 430—Grassroots Economic Development

This course focuses on the development of wealth within low-income neighborhoods and communities. Students are introduced to traditional and nontraditional strategies that can be used to foster sustainable investment, home ownership and diverse job growth in them. Traditional financial development opportunities may include the use of Community Investment and Community Development funding while nontraditional and innovative methods may include the use of lending circles, sharing economies and land-trusts for the preservation of green space and pocket parks. Using a case-based approach, students will examine the role, influence and implications of asset-based investments in other sectors such as education, infrastructure, medical services, and the environment in sustainable economic development.