Why Do Some Towns Boom, and Others Don't

Good question. In my opinion, lots of reasons explain success or the lack of it. Hard to generalize. More here to hear what one source says.

I start with these two questions: 1) what are you trying to do in terms of economic development; and 2) how do you know whether you have succeeded?

Most places I know do not want to be "boom" towns per se. Most are searching for quality growth that is balanced.