This guide was developed to assist local postsecondary community and technical colleges in designing or redesigning an economic development strategy. Section 1 explains the critical need for enhancing the development of human resources to boost the lagging productivity of the state (Wisconsin) and nation. The second part suggests an eight-step sequential process for building a local economic development plan. It provides thought-provoking questions and actual elements to be addressed in the development of an action plan for extending economic development services to the local business community. The following major areas are examined: (1) securing local commitment, (2) conducting an internal assessment of institutional resources, (3) assessing the needs of the community, (4) developing the plan itself, (5) securing institutional approval, (6) preparing for startup, (7) implementing the plan, and (8) evaluating the economic development services. Appendixes include a listing of guide assumptions, a bibliography, and a resource list. (YLB)