Sustain Blaine has hired TIP Strategies, an Austin-based economic development consulting firm, to guide the group in developing a countywide economic development strategy, a news release sent out by Citizens for Smart Growth states.
As part of the process, TIP and Sustain Blaine will host two public forums to generate ideas from residents on how to diversify the economy, expand the area's tax base and develop and retain talent.
Sustain Blaine is a local public-private partnership working to promote an improved economic and societal future for Blaine County. The partnership seeks to preserve and advance the region's quality of life and economic well being.
The first public meeting will take place Thursday, July 31, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Hailey Community Campus. The second meeting will take place Friday, Aug. 1, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Ketchum City Hall.
"We see this strategy as an opportunity for the county to coalesce around a dynamic new vision for economic growth and sustainability," said Jon Roberts, managing director of TIP Strategies.
The project entails developing an analysis of economic challenges and opportunities facing the county, including issues related to business retention, expansion and attraction, tax-base diversification, housing and human capital development and retention. The project will also examine regional migration patterns and their relevance to economic opportunities in the county.
Once complete, the strategy will outline specific actions Sustain Blaine and countywide entities can take to promote a healthy and sustainable economy in the county.
TIP Strategies and Sustain Blaine expect to spend approximately six months gathering and analyzing data, meeting with stakeholders and developing the strategy.
