Phase 3 empowerment zones: The case of Tucson

Abstract

The empowerment zones were the leading federal program for community revitalization and economic recovery during the period from 1993 to 2013. Implemented in three rounds, this program changed its benefits, with the final round offering only tax‐based incentives. Using a case study design, this paper looks closely at the round 3 empowerment zone in Tucson, Arizona. Utilizing qualitative data, this scholarship finds that the only performance indicator controlled by the administration was input oriented, that is, the marketing of program incentives to attract new businesses. Tucson program administrators did not know how well the program was performing. The program, although defined as comprehensive, in the case of Tucson, was concerned only with economic development and job creation. This study is the only known study comprehensively examining round 3 empowerment zones.