This book lays out the promise and potential of schools as community-building institutions. It explores the challenges faced in incorporating schools into broader community development policy, and also recognizes the changing demographics of schools and their need to integrate with economic development policy in order to promote broader community development. The book includes chapters on tax abatements and economic development policy impacts on schools, new approaches to school building renovation, the potential and reach of shared services between communities and schools, and the impact of school-based health centers.

It also offers a theory to integrate schools into community development. Key elements include shared power between communities and schools, greater transparency in economic development policy, collaboration across the broad range of community actors, and engagement of diverse voices. These elements build a greater sense of belonging across generations and class and racial divides.