Perspectives on Public Job Creation. R & D Monograph 52.

In this anthology of papers by academic and other experts, the job creation potential of a major public jobs program is explored. The authors were encouraged to develop new ideas and to estimate the impact of their approach. In general the ideas reported relate to jobs created as the result of responses to social and environmental concerns. Housing needs and health services are just two of the concerns mentioned. The topics are covered in four sections: "Public Jobs for the Public Good,""Estimating Public Job Creation Possibilities,""Job Creation Projects that meet Local, Regional, and National Needs,""Job Creation: Identifying Appropriate Target Areas." In "Public Jobs for the Public Good," for instance, provisions for new kinds of services for the elderly, disabled, and working parents are discussed. Jobs created through new roles for the neighborhood center, community arts center, community organizations, and state, regional, and national organizations are also suggested. In addition, potential problems with wage rates, auxiliary services, criteria for employment, and upgrading are addressed. (CSS)