Community Development | Rural Growth Strategies

READY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

The Rural Community Growth Ready Certification Program is designed to empower rural communities with the essential assessments and data that site selectors and companies require to facilitate expansion within their regions. This comprehensive program encompasses six key components: Labor Study, Housing Study, Retail Study, Community Assessments (Quality of Life, Infrastructure), and Real Estate Parcels Assessment. By achieving this certification, rural communities can demonstrate their readiness for growth and attract potential investors, businesses, and residents.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS:

Labor Study

Objectives: To assess the local labor force, skills, and availability, providing insights into workforce capacity.
Data Collection: Conduct surveys and interviews with local workers, educational institutions, and workforce development agencies.
Key Metrics: Labor force size, skillsets, education levels, employment trends, and wage analysis.
Outcome: A comprehensive labor report that identifies workforce strengths and opportunities for improvement.

2. Housing Study

Objectives: Evaluate the current housing market and identify potential gaps to accommodate incoming residents.
Data Collection: Analyze housing inventory, market trends, and local housing demand.
Key Metrics: Housing availability, affordability, rental and ownership rates, and housing market forecasts.
Outcome: A housing study report with recommendations for addressing housing needs.

3. Retail Study

Objectives: Examine the retail landscape to assess consumer demand and potential opportunities for retail development.
Data Collection: Survey local consumers, study retail establishments, and analyze retail trends.
Key Metrics: Retail sales data, consumer preferences, retail leakage, and retail development potential.
Outcome: A retail study report with insights into retail market opportunities and strategies.

4. Community Assessments

Quality of Life Assessment:

Objectives: Gauge community well-being and identify quality of life strengths and areas for improvement.
Data Collection: Surveys, community workshops, and analysis of amenities, healthcare, education, and safety.
Key Metrics: Livability indices, community satisfaction, and areas for enhancement.

Infrastructure Assessment:

Objectives: Evaluate the condition and capacity of infrastructure elements (e.g., transportation, utilities).
Data Collection: Infrastructure audits, expert assessments, and infrastructure planning reviews.
Key Metrics: Infrastructure condition, capacity, and future needs.

Outcome: Community assessment reports outlining quality of life indicators and infrastructure readiness.

5. Real Estate Parcels Assessment

Objectives: Identify available real estate parcels suitable for development, including industrial, commercial, and residential spaces.
Data Collection: Collaborate with local landowners, review zoning regulations, and assess land suitability.
Key Metrics: Available land parcels, zoning details, utility access, and development potential.
Outcome: A catalog of real estate parcels with development potential, categorized by type and readiness.

CERTIFICATION PROCESS

Rural communities interested in obtaining the Growth Ready Certification will collaborate with program assessors and experts to conduct each assessment and compile the necessary data.
An independent panel will review the assessment reports and ensure they meet program standards.
Upon successful completion of all assessments, the rural community will be awarded the Growth Ready Certification.

BENEFITS

Enhanced attractiveness to investors, businesses, and residents seeking growth-ready locations.
Informed decision-making for local economic development initiatives.
A stronger position in negotiations with potential investors and developers.
Increased community readiness and competitiveness in the ever-evolving rural development landscape.

The Rural Community Growth Ready Certification Program empowers rural communities to proactively prepare for growth and development by providing the critical data and assessments required to attract investments and foster sustainable expansion. This program not only strengthens rural communities but also contributes to the broader economic development of rural regions.