We empower community leaders with critical economic insights to make informed decisions, measure impact, and identify new opportunities.

For Cities, Counties, and Metros

Strategic Framework & Action Plans

We produce Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) plans that include a SWOT analysis, identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing your local economy. Our focus extends to enhancing the quality of life through initiatives aimed at expanding labor supply, increasing affordable housing options, and bolstering public safety measures. The plan outlines innovative strategies for entrepreneurial ecosystem development and attracting new businesses while supporting existing ones. It presents current statistics on the labor force, population, and income levels, alongside emerging trends. This data-driven approach ensures a holistic understanding of our economic landscape, providing a foundation for informed decision-making and targeted development efforts. The plan not only reflects the current economic status but also charts a path forward for sustainable growth and prosperity.

So what's in our Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Plans?

Economic History - SWOT Analysis - Quality of Life - Labor Supply - Affordable Housing - Public Safety - Entrepreneurial Ecosystem - Business Attraction - Workforce Development - Broadband - Economic Equity - Economic Resilience - Strategic Framework & Action Plan - Current Demographic & Labor Statistics

Economic History

Each strategic plan includes a historical overview of the economic conditions, highlighting key developments and shifts that have shaped its current economic landscape.

SWOT Analysis

Every community has a unique set of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) in its quest to attract a skilled workforce and new industries. This analysis delves into these factors, providing insights into your community’s potential for economic expansion and workforce development.

Quality of Life

This section summarizes the significant strides made and outlines strategic approaches and key focus areas to further improve the quality of life in your community.

Public Safety

Public safety is a multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive and proactive approach. Our analysis outlines key strategies to improve public safety in your community focusing on community engagement, law enforcement effectiveness, and technological advancements.

Labor Supply

This analysis explores various strategies that can be implemented to engage more of the local population in the workforce, thereby bolstering the community’s economic vitality and inclusivity.

Affordable Housing

Ensuring a sufficient supply of affordable housing is crucial for the sustained well-being and diversity of the community. This section outlines strategies to increase affordable housing availability in your community.

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

An entrepreneurial ecosystem is vital for a community because it fosters innovation, creates jobs, and drives economic growth by supporting startups and small businesses in their journey from idea to execution. This section summarizes the significant strides made and lists additional programs and resources to develop.

Business Attraction

This section identifies the types of companies most likely to find your community an attractive destination for either relocating their operations or expanding their existing business footprint.

Workforce Development

A workforce development strategy is essential for a community because it ensures that the local labor market is equipped with the necessary skills and education to meet the demands of employers.  This section covers strategies and programs that will enhance economic competitiveness and improve the quality of life for residents.

Broadband

The availability of high-speed internet is central to effective economic development. This section discusses capacity gaps in the digital infrastructure of the region.  

Economic Equity

Economic equity is crucial for a community as it ensures fair access to opportunities, resources, and support for all individuals.  The section offers actionable steps to foster a sense of belonging and participation among all community members, driving sustainable economic growth and enhancing the overall well-being of the community.

Economic Resilience

A community's economic prosperity is linked to its ability to prevent, withstand, and quickly recover from major disruptions (i.e., ‘shocks’) to its economic base.  In this section we list ways to build responsive capacity and better anticipate, withstand, and bounce back from any type of shock, disruption, or stress the community may experience. 

Strategic Framework & Action Plan

We conclude our narrative with a list of actionable steps for community leaders to improve quality of life and economic prosperity for your community.

updated quarterly

Demographic & Labor Statistics

Including population, total jobs, median household income, labor force, education attainment, unemployment, population and labor force trends, inbound and outbound migration, workforce characteristics, education pipeline, and in-demand skills.