LOCAL SELF-RELIANCE

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It's no surprise that the study's findings do not lead to simple solutions. East Oakland's income base, like those of many poor communities, is very weak: The area's residents earn less for their labor than do residents in many nearby communities. And the problem is compounded by the fact that few of the jobs in East Oakland match the skill levels of its residents. As a result of this classic imbalance between worker abilities and employment opportunities, a considerable amount of money leaks out of the local economy.

Overall, the East Oakland research indicates a need for new approaches to community economic development. "When leakages of income and capital from a community are substantial," the report concludes, "the benefits of traditional economic development strategies will accrue largely to residents outside the community. As an alternative, East Oaklanders can pursue strategies for locally based, community-controlled economic development." (The study is available for $10 from Community Economics, Dept. TMEN, 6529 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, California 94609.)

You can have a free catalog of ILSR's selection of books and pamphlets by sending the Institute a self-addressed, stamped envelope. To get on the mailing list for the organization's bi-monthly magazine, Self-Reliance, send $8.00 ($15.00 for institutions) to ILSR, Dept. TMEN, 1717 18th Street N. W., Washington, D.C. 20009. Or, send $25 ($17 of which is tax-deductible) to become an associate member of the Institute . . . and — in addition to receiving the magazine — you'll obtain a 20% discount on all other Local Self-Reliance publications. — MOTHER.

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