Community Development and Public Administration Theory

'Community Development and Public Administration Theory takes a rare, nuanced – yet much needed – intersectional approach to community development in PA. The text provides useful insights, for scholars and practitioners, into practical strategies that can help to foster equitable and effective policy outcomes. This text a must read for new and seasoned administrators alike.'- Tia Sherèe Gaynor, Assistant Professor of Public Administration, Marist College

'Community development planning and implementation is at the core of the public sector’s impact on residents’ daily lives. Nickels and Rivera apply public administration theories and concepts to the practice of community development. Community Development and Public Administration Theory is a must-read for students, scholars and practitioners interested in local government, community development, citizen participation and economic development research and practice.'- Mohamad G. Alkadry, Professor and Department Head, University of Connecticut

'In this highly readable and practical volume, Nickels and Rivera put The New Public Service to work in creating ways to put citizens at the center of community building efforts. Based on a clearly articulated framework for understanding community development not only as a matter of economics, but also as social justice and empowerment, the authors make a compelling argument for grounding community development in authentic citizen engagement. They make theory practical by realistically exploring what works and what doesn’t and highlighting the challenges and the positive impact of citizen engagement in community development nationally and internationally. This volume will inspire practitioners and academics alike to think differently about community development and spark new and innovative approaches to making communities better.'- Janet Denhardt, Ch