Small Towns, Political Culture, and Policy Innovation

Abstract

Even though small towns are in the throes of socioeconomic change, their political culture is generally still based in traditional individualism. As a result, planning in small towns is rarely innovative, even when planning professionals are hired to direct the planning process. This article reviews the literature on political culture and policy innovation in small town America, and describes approaches for rural and small town planners to follow in order to be effective. © 1989, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.