Public Administration ETDs

Publication Date

5-21-1971

Abstract

The thesis is the product of the author's involvement in the preparation of the Economic Survey section of the Grants /Milan Compre­hensive Plan under the auspices and direction of the Middle Rio Grande Council of Governments of New Mexico (COG). The Economic Survey section of the Grants/ Milan Comprehensive Plan, as submitted to COG by the author for publication, is included.

Comprehensive planning in relationship to the 701 Program of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development is discussed in detail. The requirement that a "comprehensive plan" be submitted in order to qualify local communities for federal grants for sewer and water projects seems to encourage an emphasis on physical planning. The use of professional planners whose training and exper­ience is primarily in architecture and engineering also appears to con­tribute to the physical planning emphasis in small communities. Small communities appear to view these federal requirements as "red tape" rather than an important activity having far reaching impact on local public services and general community life.

The importance of economic growth and development planning is examined in relationship to the current emphasis on physical planning in the comprehensive planning process. It is felt that this important factor receives relatively little attention and that it is not adequately correlated with the physical aspects of the "plan."

A developmental approach was selected in undertaking the study. The development approach consists of: a) identification of strategic economic activities, b) analysis of the growth prospects of these activities, c) examination of basic resources with potential for exploitation, d) development of population forecasts based on employment and economic activity data, and e) estimates of the future level of economic activity in the planning area.

The developmental approach was employed because of the economic conditions existing in the planning area and because of data availability. Data for a small community was difficult to compile and interviews were used to supplement available socio-economic information. Resource information was compiled almost exclusively by interview. The primary analysis method employed was the basic/non-basic industry sector analysis of employment. Employment and population forecasts were compiled from this basic analysis.

The results of the Economic Survey indicate that the economy of the Grants/Milan area is dominated by one industry, mining. The growth and development prospects for a one-industry town without economic diversification appear questionable. Various potential local resources were found to be available for exploitation if diversification is undertaken. Local growth and development will depend on the

Degree Name

Public Administration

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

School of Public Administration

First Committee Member (Chair)

John Mace Hunger

Second Committee Member

Illegible

Third Committee Member

Daniel U. Henning

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

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