This article, written in conjunction with the 10th anniversary of Economic Development Quarterly, reviews the literature on the politics of local economic development. It asks what is known-and not known-about this topic. The article summarizes, assesses, and critiques the literature; indicates its shortcomings; and suggests paths for future research. It examines what the literature says about the forces driving local governments to engage in economic development activity, the factors that account for variation in such activity, the way local officials think about economic development-including its political logic-and the political activity that characterizes local economic development policy. With respect to the local politics of economic development, the article focuses on the interests involved and particularly on the question of how dominant business is in the process, the nature and degree of conflict, and the openness of local economic development decision making to public participation.

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Keywords environmental performance measurement equivalency factors land-use metrics life-cycle assessment (LCA) life-cycle impact assessment (LCIA) mining e-supplement available on the JIE Web site

Summary Life‐cycle inventory and cost‐analysis tools applied to milk packaging offer guidelines for achieving better environmental design and management of these systems. Life‐cycle solid waste, energy, and costs were analyzed for seven systems including single‐use and refillable glass bottles, single‐use and refillable high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles, paperboard gable‐top cartons, linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) flexible pouches, and polycarbonate refillable bottles on a basis of 1,000 gal of milk delivered. In addition, performance requirements were also investigated that highlighted potential barriers and trade‐offs for environmentally preferable alternatives. Sensitivity analyses, indicated that material production energy, postconsumer solid waste, and empty container costs were key parameters for predicting life‐cycle burdens and costs. Recent trends in recycling rates, tipping fees, and recycled materials market value had minimal effect on the results. Inventory model results for life‐cycle solid waste and energy indicated the same rank order as results from previously published life‐cycle inventory studies of container systems. Refillable HDPE and polycarbonate, and the flexible pouch were identified as the most environmentally preferable with respect to life‐cycle energy and solid waste. The greater market penetration of these containers may be limited by performance issues such as empty container storage, handling requirements, and deposit fees for refillables, and resealability and puncture resistance for the pouch.

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