growth priorities. This regional plan is a cornerstone in Leap’s effort to achieve its primary mission. Greater Lansing Next presents Seven Priority Strategies for Action necessary for regional prosperity. These strategies were synthesized from nearly 200 alternative strategies presented in a series of reports during the past year. Each strategy has multiple components, with short- and longer-term elements. These strategies are rooted in four foundational elements that, over time, are essential to sustaining economic prosperity in our region: 1. Develop business opportunities 2. Focus on making great places to live and work 3. Enhance our core assets 4. Strengthen our ability to plan and work regionally It will take considerable effort on the part of many organizations to bring the Seven Priority Strategies to fruition. There is much more that also needs to be done. But these seven strategies are where a brighter future for our region begins. With broad support, and with united effort, they are achievable.
How we got to Next. Leap worked with partners throughout the region and with Michigan State University’s Land Policy Institute to develop this plan. We reached out to diverse groups, in many ways, listening to our individual and collective hopes, frustrations, and ideas. What we found is that there is broad community support for transforming our region into a leading area for opportunity, talent, and jobs. This work resulted in a specific set of goals and strategies that will involve hundreds of groups and individuals in our region, united for a common purpose. Our work began with research – gathering and analyzing economic trends from across the nation. We conducted a comprehensive asset assessment and analysis of our region, comparing it to more than 50 other regions. And we listened, interviewing dozens of area business, governmental, and institutional leaders. We conducted an analysis of many economic clusters, looking for existing strengths and opportunities. This work was then reviewed in focus groups with area business and economic experts. The plan went through multiple drafts. At each step we sought input from the business community, government, regional organizations, and individuals. The final regional plan that was adopted by the Leap Board in October 2009 was truly a collaborative effort.
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