November/December 1985 RAIN Page 35 ployed population. Overall, fewer jobs are created per dollar of military contract spending than in almost any other sector of the economy. Unfortunately, there is a severe imbalance between federal military and nonmilitary spending in the Puget Sound region, with over 90 percent of all federal capital expenditures coming through the Department of Defense. The study concludes by raising additional questions for further investigation. These include inquiring into the relationship between military spending and regional unemployment and inflation, and identifying regional economic alternatives to military contracts. The information contained in Choices for Puget Sound is packaged well and helps demystify the complexities of federal military spending for the average citizen. And by focusing on regional impacts of federal spending, the study helps to "bring home" the issue. As stated in its opening paragraphs, "While the federal government decides fiscal and military priorities, our local communities feel the impacts of these decisions. Regional military spending is therefore the proper concern of every citizen." It's important to note that this study was conducted by a citizen group of non-economists using data freely available from government sources. It can thus serve as a model for similar citizen-based studies in other regions. —FLS Homegrown Economics: Building Self- Reliance in Southwest Washington, by Deborah McLellan, 1985,75 pp. (mimeo), free from: Mary Beth Ryan Pacific Mountain Private Industry Council 2633 B Parkmont Lane SW Olympia, WA 98502 The impetus for this report comes from the decline of forestry, fishing, and other major industries in Southwest Washington state; the inspiration and ideas for it come primarily from St. Paul's Homegrown Economy project (see article, page 6). Though directed primarily at the economies of five Washington counties (Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston), the analysis and advice contained in the report is relevant to much of the rest of Washington and Oregon as well. The report describes the economic insecurities created by overdependence upon a few large export industries. The decline of the forest industry hit Washington especially hard as high interest rates triggered a major housing slump, dramatically reducing the demand for timber. In addition, much of the industry has been shifting from the Northwest to the South. In 1972, 60 percent of the wood products sold east of the Rockies came from the Northwest; now only eight percent do. High interest rates, coupled with a strong U.S. dollar abroad, also hurt Washington's aluminum and aerospace industries. Fisheries suffered a decline due to a combination of dam construction and overharvesting. The fiasco of the nuclear power plant construction program of the Washington Public Power Supply System (WPPSS) led to increased electric rates, high debts, and a dubious credit rating. These and other trends dealt a severe blow to the Washington economy. Almost all of these adversities stemmed from forces beyond the control of Washington businesses. What to do? The report suggests shifting the focus of economic development strategies towards "homegrown economics," meeting local needs with local resources. St. Paul's Homegrown Economy project is described and criteria are presented for evaluating economic development strategies. Several examples of local and national businesses that fit the homegrown economic criteria are presented. Finally, barriers to homegrown economic development are discussed and strategies for overcoming some of these barriers and increasing the self- reliance of the economy as a whole are presented. The report includes a resource list of relevant organizations and publications. Mary Beth Ryan, director of the Pacific Mountain Industry Council, which released the report in June of this year, says that although strong leadership is required to bring the full potential of homegrown economics into being, local political and business leaders have already shown interest in the ideas described in the report, and there are signs that the homegrown economy concept is beginning to influence the ways some local leaders are thinking about economic development policy. It's exciting to see the benefits of increased local self-reliance being clearly articulated and made accessible to those shaping economic policy. I highly recommend this report. And you can't beat the price. —FLS ADVERTISING Put Your Money Where Your Heart Is. and get it back, with interest! A new economy is being born. Your money can help build it. . .and this Guide can help you get started! 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