07-21-08 Special Called Regular Meeting of the Development Corporation Board of Directors

Browse Search

STUDY APPROACH, continued Next, we will work with the City to establish a project milestones calendar. The calendar will specify the dates of all trips and meetings, delivery of findings, and delivery of draft and final reports. We will establish a system and schedule for communicating on a regular basis. We will set up a project management website utilizing the online application Basecamp (www.basecamphq.com). The Basecamp service offers password protected access to participants, such as Steering Committee members. It supplies a live chat board function, message posting, and storage for online file sharing. It will allow Avalanche to communicate with the City, EAHPR, and Steering Committee between visits to the region. We will schedule bi-monthly conference calls with the City's project manager and other key players. During the calls, we will provide updates, discuss upcoming action items, and answer questions. In addition, we will provide the City with written status reports on a monthly basis. During the project, we will utilize an online survey tool, such as QuestionPro, to develop and distribute the community questionnaire. Electronic surveys are much faster to administer and offer on-the-spot analysis, which makes the process of public input significantly easier. STEP 1. CONDUCT SITUATIONAL ASSESSMENT Step 1.1: Information Review Avalanche Consulting will request that the City of La Porte provide us with copies of previous strategic plans and studies, including the City's Master Plan. We will review these studies as well as marketing materials and websites related to economic and community development in the city. The City will receive a Data Request that outlines the information that will be helpful in our process, such as: Copies of past economic development, planning, and marketing strategies The City's Master Plan Planning and zoning policies Historic district programs Main Street requirements Information about Barbour's Cut and Bayport facilities as well as the new cruise terminal Information about the general aviation airport Information about the City's branding initiative and preliminary findings Data on the city's economy, major employers, and industry trends Copies of recent news articles related to development in the city The City's economic development budget for the past 3 years A list of the City's major economic and community development activities Helpful reports, studies, and strategies produced by other organizations in the region PROPOSAL: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE CITY OF LA PORTE. RFP #08510 6