Economic Development Strategic Planning for communities lies at the heart of Civic Economics’ menu of services.

Economic development practice has long focused on industrial recruitment or “smokestack chasing.”  Today, though, the challenge is broader.  America’s leading firms have demonstrated that sales, marketing, and product development are inseparable. This lesson guides the formulation and implementation of a CivEc strategic plan.

CREATIVITY
CivEc seeks to unleash the CREATIVITY within our client communities.  The best ideas for economic development in a community reside there, so we question and we listen.

CivEc studies the range of options facing a community using the most current and accurate data, the most innovative and thorough analytical tools, and an encyclopedic knowledge of best practices nationwide and abroad.  A CivEc strategic plan incorporates the best ideas from within, the best ideas from without, and a solid, data-driven analysis of the strengths and weaknesses in each community.

OPPORTUNITY
CivEc knows that the ultimate goal of any economic development initiative is OPPORTUNITY.  We are planners who believe in planning, but we are also economists who believe in markets.

The challenge of economic development is to match local strengths with the needs of the greater economy. Moreover, simply being the right place at the right time is no guarantee of sustainable economic development success.  The community must be prepared to market itself, both internally and externally. CivEc identifies target markets and prepares a roadmap for reaching them at the right time and with the right information.

PROSPERITY
Formulation of the strategic plan is only the start. A CivEc plan lays the groundwork for sustainable PROSPERITY by focusing on implementation from the start.

In close collaboration with community leaders, CivEc outlines tasks, responsibilities, timelines, and budgets for the coming years. Finally, CivEc will be there for the community during the implementation process, offering guidance and support and managing community expectations.