WithersRavenel provided strategic consulting services to the Sanford Area Growth Alliance (SAGA) with the assistance of a site selection firm. The project encompassed research and an investigation into demographic trends, existing conditions, community infrastructure, housing, and business recruitment, with the final goal of helping SAGA identify strategies to position the community to attract new industries.
Business Recruitment
After identifying current business prospect activity and existing sites and inventory, along with knowledge of growing industry sectors, we identified potential target industry segments for SAGA. For each target industry, we provided information on the industry, outlined Lee County’s attributes appropriate for that target, and developed a gap analysis for each target industry. We also shared input on site and building requirements for target industries and prepared a summary map and memorandum identifying parcels within the project area of significant importance. We also compared available economic incentives in similar communities and provided information to assist in developing a recruitment strategy for the target industries.
Infrastructure
The project team prepared a summary analysis of existing infrastructure within the growth area, with a focus on business retention and recruitment. We also evaluated previous master planning efforts, demographic trends, and regional activity to provide a baseline blueprint of existing conditions. Additionally, we crafted an economic impact analysis that provided an overview of the effects that certain events may have on the regional economy such as a firm relocating to the region, an existing firm expanding its operations, a plant closing, etc. Working with the potential target industry segments, we listed infrastructure requirements and upgrades needed, culminating in the identification of strategic solutions to prepare for future growth.
Housing
The team prepared a high-level comparison report that reviewed and collected housing data, information, and strategies from neighboring counties and communities that border Lee County. We also analyzed local zoning and the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) as it relates to workforce housing and commuting patterns. The information gathering helped paint a picture of the existing housing market while positioning the community to embrace future needs based on industry and population growth in the greater Sanford area.
The final report provided SAGA with a comprehensive snapshot of current conditions and a roadmap that not only identified industries to target for recruitment but also a plan to better align infrastructure and housing to better position the community to attract quality business investment opportunities.