The client is seeking a vendor to provide services for creating a comprehensive Five-Year Strategic Economic Development Plan for the region. This plan will include a supporting Economic and Market Analysis and address strategic priority areas such as technology corridor development, innovation ecosystem advancement, and recommendations for commercial, office, tech-flex, and research-oriented growth. The scope covers site readiness, infrastructure improvements, zoning, and land-use alignment to enhance regional competitiveness.

The plan must also focus on innovation, tech talent, and workforce pipeline through skills mapping for emerging and existing industries. Strategies for talent attraction and retention are required, as well as aligning youth, young adult, and adult workforce development. Industry cluster development will involve analysis of market competitiveness, benchmarking with peers and regions, identification of industry gaps and opportunities, and determination of workforce and supply chain requirements.

Further, rural and agricultural economic development assessment will include integrating agriculture, agritourism, and outdoor recreation, as well as fostering rural small business and entrepreneurship. Infrastructure and broadband needs will also be considered. The economic and market analysis component will examine labor force characteristics, economic indicators, industry sector performance, and best practices, informed by industry insight and expert interviews. The plan should assess structural strengths, weaknesses, assets, and liabilities to support long-term growth.