Promoting Business: A New Outlook for the City of Kennesaw

According to the United States Census Bureau Kennesaw is one of the fastest growing cities in Cobb County (2000). Advancements in education and demographics have strikingly changed over the past 25 years allowing Kennesaw to surpass national, state, and regional increases since 1970. According to its website, per capita income is higher in Kennesaw, attributed to a higher household income (2009). In 2007, Kennesaw was elected in Family Circle as one the “Best Towns for Families”. The results were determined in part on the blend of affordable housing, good jobs, top-rated schools, and wide open spaces. Families have increased their median income due to the increased opportunities in retail centers. Town Center Mall and Kennesaw State University has also attributed to the increase in household incomes. The diversity of Kennesaw’s demographics continues to surpass surrounding municipalities. However, the city lacks effective business incentives that attract more than family-owned and operated small businesses, chiropractors, automotive and barber shops, and consignment and antique stores. There is an opportunity for improvement with new incentives. Incentives that help low-income families start their own business; incentives that help companies give back to their employees through advanced job training skills, and tax incentives to companies who value retail. Promoting business through innovative incentives will take the City of Kennesaw in a new economic direction.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Political Science

Year dc:date.available

2009

Author dc:creator

• Rollins, Melissa

• Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu/etd/45

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.kennesaw.edu:etd-1046