Economic and social development are processes that seek to identify social and the economic needs within a community, and to create strategies that will address those needs in ways that are practical and in the best interests of the community over the long run. The general idea is to find ways to improve the local standard of living while also making sure the local economy is healthy and capable of sustaining the present and forecast population in the area.  It is relevant in metropolitan neighbourhoods, sections of smaller cities and towns, and in rural settings.