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Background
In 2009, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners created an Economic Stimulus Task Force to consider the many economic elements necessary to position Hillsborough County for a strong future. The recommendations of the Task Force created a framework for action, both immediate and long-term, to prepare and position Hillsborough County for economic recovery.
Among the accepted recommendations was the need for an updated Locational Assessment of Tampa/Hillsborough County’s competitive advantages and disadvantages, and a strategic plan based upon this Locational Assessment to prepare and position the County for economic investment, job creation, attraction and retention in the industry sectors best suited for the area.
The Tampa/Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, Inc. (formerly the Committee of 100) has been tasked by the governments to lead this study and plan development. The effort is being funded by Hillsborough County, the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City. The consulting firm Biggins Lacy Shapiro & Company is conducting the study.
Purpose
The assessment and strategic plan will evaluate the whole county (Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace, and unincorporated portions of Hillsborough County) to identify its economic competitive position and help position the county for economic recovery.
Objective
Phase One - Project Launch:
Develop consensus on project goals, identify key inputs and organize activity for subsequent phases
Inputs:
- Collect, research and analyze data
- Review past and current relevant studies, reports and initiatives
- Solicit input from stakeholders (business, government/community leadership/citizenry, academia, infrastructure)
Topics
- Land use and future employment hubs
- Workforce and employment
- Academics
- Transportation
- Development trends, concerns, opportunities; sustainable growth
- Local economy and business climate
- Housing/quality of life
- General views related to economic recovery for Hillsborough County
Phase Two - Locational Assessment and Asset Mapping:
Define, benchmark and position the Tampa‐Hillsborough County economic development “product” and set a baseline to measure future progress
Phase Three - Strategic Plan:
- Identify target industries based on Phase Two inputs
- Develop business climate, marketing and incentives strategies
- Develop decision support for the resulting Strategic Plan and outline the way forward to active implementation
For more information on the Assessment and Plan, contact Jaksa Petrovic, project manager, Economic Development Department, via email or via phone at: (813) 273-3719.
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