Part I of this paper provides a brief description of each of the five economic development programs and explains the interaction among the various programs. Two hypothetical business firms located in Central City – Acme Widget Production Company, a manufacturer of widgets, and ABC Widget Sales, a widget retailer, will be used throughout Part I to illustrate the various programs. Part II is an analysis of the tax abatements granted, as of December 31, 1983, by cities and townships with 10,000 or more residents.