The Potential for Human Resources and Economic Growth in a Declining Local Community, A Socio-Economic Study of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania Economy, Volume I.

The research summarized in Volume I of this two volume study of Johnstown, Pennsylvania provides an overview of the city's social and economic structure. This project was designed to help cure the area's chronic unemployment and economic instability and to serve as a prototype study for other communities with similar problems. Community views and aspirations, as well as government services and taxes, are stressed as major factors in economic growth. Several possible solutions which are suggested have in common an emphasis on the need for greater civic awareness among the residents, so that needed tax levies can be passed. This requires better public relations by local government in order to increase community participation. In addition, the researchers consider proposals for governmental reorganization which would eliminate duplication of effort and competition between various levels of government in the area. One such alternative, the voluntary council, would enable governments to cooperate while remaining autonomous. Although this volume gives general solutions, the detailed analysis of the data, and specific conclusions are contained in Volume II, available as VT 011 117. (BH)