The selected consultant will lead a full economic development strategic planning process that includes: 1. Organizational & Capacity Assessment • Review the EDA’s mission, structure, operations, and authority. • Identify capacity gaps, needed tools, and partnership opportunities. 2. Data Collection & Desktop Review • Review Town and EDA documents, policies, studies, zoning and housing data, and economic indicators. • Analyze demographic, workforce, and business climate trends affecting Abingdon. 3. Stakeholder Engagement • Conduct interviews, focus groups, and surveys with EDA members, Town staff, businesses, regional partners, and community stakeholders. • Summarize key needs and priorities. 4. Economic, Workforce & Housing Analysis • Assess local and regional economic conditions. • Review market dynamics impacting business development, workforce availability, and housing needs. • Identify barriers and opportunities for equitable growth. 5. Strategic Plan Development • Prepare a Strategic Plan with vision and mission refinement, strategic priorities, goals, timelines, performance measures, partnership strategies, and funding recommendations. 6. Presentation & Refinement • Provide a draft plan, facilitate a review workshop, and produce the final Strategic Plan incorporating feedback.
