4. Existing plans and documents
Utilizing existing meetings
One-on-one discussions
Focus groups
Input through email/social media
4
Ways to Gather Ideas
5. Consider range of alternative projects &
programs
Identify projects & programs in light of:
Strategic economic development goals
Objectives
Strategies established earlier
Broadly evaluate project proposals
5
Project Identification
6. Does it help achieve a goal or
objective?
Does the community have the
resource & capacity to undertake
the program?
6
Note:
Limit depth of analysis
Decide if further consideration is warranted
Broad Criteria
7. • Individuals who identify proposals should prioritize project
options
• Stakeholders should establish set of standards or criteria
o Identify best possible projects
o Recognize both positive & negative impacts
• Conduct research to assess feasibility
o Initial or first phase: assess which proposals to pursue, &
prioritize
o Second phase: in-depth feasibility study
7
Project Assessment
9. 8. Conclusions about project feasibility
7. Potential barriers to overcome
6. Additional resources required
5. Resources available for execution
4. Regional benefits & issues
3. Economic development benefits
2. Relation to strategic plan (in terms of goals)
1. Basic description
9
Project Worksheets
11. Quantify
information
• Tally scores
for each
program
Input data
into matrix
• Higher scores
reflect
higher
feasibility
11
Steps After Collecting Project Info
13. Projects that reflect plans, goals, & objectives rank higher
Review alternatives individually
Compare alternatives
likely effects
how well it meets specific goals
13
Establishing Priorities
14. Determine positive & negative
local economy
regional way of life
All ventures have advantages & disadvantages
Estimate degree of impact of each
Rank projects with greatest net effects as top priorities
14
Measuring Impact
15. • 1-2 year projects rank higher
• longer completion time
increase uncertainty
Time
Estimates
• Operating expenses and
financing capacity
• opportunity costs
Cost
Estimates
15
Economic Feasibility
Expensive & time-consuming proposals with low
returns should be designated low priority
16. Determines economic viability
Used to assess a single project or for comparison
Can be used to determine most efficient use of
resources
Process
Identify & calculate costs & benefits
Calculate the net impact
16
Cost-Benefit Analysis
17. Project costs do not include sunk costs
Costs, prior to implementation, may include
Existing infrastructure
Buildings
Services
Supplies
17
Sunk Costs
18. All revenue that results from project
operation
Measured by increase in output or cost
savings
Examples of project revenues
Municipal taxes
Fees or charges for services
Sale of remaining equipment
18
Benefits
19. • Result specifically
from the project
Direct
costs
• Result because of
ripple effects
Indirect
costs
19
Direct & Indirect Costs
20. Rank highly proposals with a great degree of
community support from public officials,
business leaders, & residents.
Social support can make or break a program
alternative.
20
Social/Political Feasibility
21. Can the region handle a project of this magnitude?
Do the right people with the right skills exist in the to
carry out the project?
Is the technology available?
Is the experience & knowledge there?
Are the resources available?
21
Technical Feasibility
22. Criteria/Proposed Project
Project
1
Project
2
Project
3
Project
4
in line with present goals
exploits opportunity
depends against a threat
length of time to measure impact
financing available
politically acceptable
has stakeholder support
necessary skills/staff/space
22
Simple Vertical Matrix
23. Tasks involved
• sequence with respect to other tasks.
Who or what organization is responsible for
each task
Realistic timetables for the completion of
different activities
Expected impacts or results of the action
Funding requirements, including
identification of sources
23
Action Plans
25. Need for flexibility
Leave room for changes & delays
Develop strategy for problem
resolution
Keeping the plan alive
Marketing, market, marketing
25
Implementing Programs
26. Revisit & update annually
Confirm or adjust
Opportunities or threats require
immediate action
New grant program, plant closing,
natural disaster
26
Amending Programs & Successive Planning Efforts
27. Contact Information
o jim@camoinassociates.com
o www.camoinassociates.com
o Twitter: @jdamicis
o Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jdamicis
o Economic Development Navigator: www.camoinassociates.com/navigator
Economic Development
Contact Information