People may identify with many subcommunities. They may belong to a subcommunity interested primarily in schools, economic development, city, county, civic, or other interest groups. Within these groups are people who have the power to make decisions for specific projects. There are various interests within each of the groups who want to see projects completed for their community. Different people are involved in each stage of the development process.
Leaders occupy the next level and make decisions concerning specific projects.
The next layer is composed of interested citizens who can be in charge of special projects. These people tend to be officers and active members in local civic or social groups. The final authority for economic development lies with the public, who vote on the specific tax issues for water, sewer, streets, education and other projects before the actual work is done. It is the cooperative relationship among all levels that makes community development a successful activity. Decision makers provide overall direction for accomplishing the goals and objectives of the community.