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16 Community and Economic Development Bulletin 31 the default assumptions of prepackaged models to better reflect local conditions and the details of a particular project. Finally, some local government officials might wonder where they can find assistance with conducting or gaining access to economic and fiscal impact analyses. Economic development professionals may provide a basic assessment of a project's economic or fiscal impacts, or both. But the analysis of such a professional might not be purely objective since his or her job per- formance is dependent upon making projects happen. Project boosters and other advocates may not be the best source for independent and unbiased analysis of development impacts. If resources permit, a jurisdiction might consider purchasing or leasing a model or a software application through a commercial vendor for use on a regular basis. In addition to the initial financial investment, operating an impact model internally requires an organizational com- mitment to ensuring staff members possess the necessary kno«~ledge and skills to conduct the analysis and accurately interpret its results. For infrequent, large-scale projects a local govern- ment may find it helpful to contract with a private consulting firm, university professor, or other external expert to assist with performing a development impact analysis. In contrast to some states, however, North Carolina has no centralized resource for systematically assisting locali- ties with impact analysis. © 2010 School of Government. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill This bulletin is published and posted online by the School of Government to address issues of interest to government officials. This publication is for educational and informational use and maybe used for those purposes without permission. Use of this publication for commercial purposes or without acknowledgment of its source is prohibited. To browse a complete catalog of School of Government publications, please visit the School's website at www.sog.unc.edu or contact the Publications Division, School of Government, CB# 3330 Knapp-Sanders Building, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3330; a-mail sales@sog.unc.edu; telephone 919.966.4119; or fax 919.962.2707.