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

Browse Search

STUDY APPROACH, continued Step 1.2: Economic Assessment Combined with the public input we receive in Step 1.3) research conducted during this phase of the project will influence La Porte's economic mix, SWOT Analysis, and the Strategic Plan. The economic assessment will present economic data for both the City of La Porte and the Houston MSA. This snapshot will provide an insightful and necessary baseline against which future economic development performance can be based. We will cover economic trends related to population) workforce) education) industry composition) land use, infrastructure) public policy) and quality of life. We will examine trends affecting the Houston MSA's economy, and reveal how those trends could affect the southeast portion of the Gulf Coast and the city of La Porte. In addition, we will ask the Steering Committee to help us identify three benchmark cities that are included in this assessment. Benchmarking La Porte's economic performance against other communities will further clarify the city's strengths and challenges. Avalanche will utilize a variety of state and national databases to perform its assessment. We will deliver whatever data is necessary and available to support recommendations in the Strategic Plan. Step 1.3: Community Input We don't believe in closed-doors and instead prefer to integrate the community as much as possible in the planning process. The greater the level of community involvement) the more likely the Strategic Plan is implemented and produces results. Avalanche's ability to facilitate positive community dialogue is second to none. Within a few weeks of the contract starting date, our team will travel to La Porte to lead the first Steering Committee meeting and interview local stakeholders. Using an interview guide) Avalanche will seek input from a variety of perspectives including individual business owners) public officials) and other local organizations concerned with economic development. In addition to the members of the Steering Committee) we anticipate interviewing and conducting small focus groups with 15-20 local stakeholders during this initial trip) including representatives from: City and County Government La Porte City Council La Porte Independent School District San Jacinto Community College La Porte City Council La Porte Economic Development Corporation La Porte Planning and Zoning Commission La Porte Redevelopment Authority / Tax Increment Refinance Zone La Porte Zoning Board of Adjustment La Porte Main Street Advisory Boards PROPOSAL: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE CITY OF LA PORTE. RFP #08510 7