The District of Houston invites proposals from qualified consulting firms to lead a multifaceted Economic Development and Diversification Project. This project requires the development of a comprehensive strategy, detailed research and analysis, and the creation of an actionable implementation plan. The consultant will work in close collaboration with the District, local stakeholders, community members, and Indigenous representatives, aiming to ensure the project's success while fostering connections with the broader regional economy and its stakeholders.
The project can be organized into three interconnected groups: Strategy Development, Research and Analysis, and Implementation Plan and Investment Ready Outcomes.
Strategy Development
- Promote and conduct engagement sessions with the community, stakeholders, and Indigenous peoples to co-create a shared vision.
- Develop a comprehensive five (5) year Economic Development and Diversification Strategy (EDDS)
- Create standalone documents as independent resources, to inform the EDDS, encompassing strategies for:
- Vision
- Investment Attraction
- Land-Use – Commercial and Industrial
- Small Business Development and Retention
- Workforce Development
- Resident Attraction
Research and Analysis
- Analyze and leverage existing and ongoing studies, plans, and strategies to inform a unified economic development approach.
- Undertake data collection and research to support strategy development.
- Conduct a detailed analysis of the regional economy, including interviews with industry and business leaders, and consultations with Indigenous communities and people.
- Perform situational, market, and trend analyses, as well as SWOT, competitiveness and economic impact studies.
- Assess potential risks and conduct financial and cost-benefit analyses.
Implementation Plan and Investment Ready Outcomes
- Develop a strategic framework for project implementation, focusing on outcomes that are investment ready. (Ex Resident attraction and investment portals.)
- Create a data visualization and information package to communicate project outcomes to the community.
- Formulate a marketing strategy to promote investment in Houston.
