Communication through written response to community social issue. Given a short discussion on a community issue. Will be asked to summarize the issue, present pros and cons and discuss how would choose to exercise civic responsibility on this issue.

Civic Issue: Economic Development in the Cities of Vernon and Wichita Falls

Economic development is a multifaceted process involving growth in GDP per capita, improvement in standards of living, and reduction of poverty. Economic development must take into account the needs of agricultural development and food security, human and natural resource development, and the role of women/minorities and all residents of low-income counties, as well as the issues of population growth, healthcare, and rural-urban migration. Appropriate policies at the county and city level are vital to the development needs of the cities of Vernon and Wichita Falls.

Suppose are the economic adviser to the Cities of Vernon and Wichita Falls, what suggestions would recommend to effectively promote economic growth and reduce poverty?

Be sure to address the following in response:

1. Agricultural development
2. Education and the development of human capital (role of Vernon College and MSU)
3. Crime (Role of the Wichita Falls Police Department)
4. Healthcare (Role of United Regional Hospital)
5. Incentives to businesses (to bring jobs to the area).
6. Investment in physical capital (infrastructure) such as factories, machinery and roads