"Why can't a local coalition of civic leaders be assembled to transform lackluster second chance workforce programs into high performing workforce development investments, just as they mobilized, time and again, to build a new sports stadium, or make a bid to host the Olympics? The payoffs for creating a competitive workforce seem obvious: competitive firms, productive workers, a higher tax base, and more attractive and competitive regions."—from the Introduction
"Bob Giloth and his colleagues demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of investing in human capital. What makes Giloth's reflections particularly useful are the connections he draws between the development of an active civic culture, grassroots leadership, and the long-term success of job training initiatives such as Project QUEST in San Antonio."—Ernesto Cortes, Jr., Industrial Areas Foundation
"Workforce Development Politics offers a penetrating view of community struggles to eradicate entrenched poverty and to enhance the pool of skilled labor. Searching for the magical elixir that makes local coalitions of diverse interests succeed, this masterful work would fascinate Tocqueville and will inspire those searching for win-win solutions to the problems of the American political economy."—Cathie Jo Martin, Professor of Political Science, Boston University