Planning for Balanced Development: A Guide for Native American and Rural Communities

Community planner Susan Guyette presents the first field-tested model of development planning that meets the special concerns of Native American and rural communities. These communities increasingly seek to promote economic development that supports the traditions, values, and relationships on which community identity is based. In Guyette's model, revitalizing of cultural traditions becomes the central focus of the economic planning process.

The author demonstrates, step by step, how community planning works, using the creation of the Poeh Center at Pojoaque Pueblo in northern New Mexico as a case study. She offers practical, detailed guidelines on how to develop a strategic plan, assess and document needs, ensure community participation, support business and tourism, and generate funding for community projects. This book provides a unique opportunity for communities, planners, and students to see rural development in action.

About the Author:

Dr. Guyette owns Santa Fe Planning & Research, a firm that specializes in training seminars; strategic planning; and planning for development of tourism, cultural centers, museums, and culturally appropriate businesses. For twenty-five years she has worked with Indian tribes and other cultural groups as well as consulting for state and federal agencies nation-wide. She holds a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning and a Ph.D. in Anthropology.

Among her publications are two other books, "Community Based Research: A Handbook for Native Americans" and "Issues for the Future of American Indian Studies." Her writings have been widely used as a resource for community development and as text material for Native American studies and rural development programs.