Today it is common for politicians to lure businesses to their cities and states with tax breaks, incentives, and generally questionable behavior. This is widely agreed upon as an integral piece of neoliberal economic politics.

How did the economic policies of cities and states prior to the creation of trickle-down policies differ? Did they try and offer incentives to businesses to locate? Did businesses locate more organically with labor growth and specialization? Obviously the economic policies during this time accepted a much higher rate of taxes on businesses.

Any recommended citations/books/articles would be wonderful, Thanks!