NEDA Grow Natchitoches 2024-2026 Strategic Plan

NATCHITOCHES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE

GROW NATCHITOCHES 2024-2026 STRATEGIC PLAN

2024 - 2026 STRATEGIC PLAN

OUR MISSION: Champion investment. Maximize Potential. Cultivate growth.

OUR VISION: Position Natchitoches as the premier rural parish in the state of Louisiana by fostering a vibrant, resilient, and growing community.

CHAMPION INVESTMENT Be the catalyst for strategic investments in our people, our places, and our assets.

Objective A: Business retention and expansion.

Strategy 1: Increase quantity of BRE companies and visits.

Strategy 2: Develop and maintain BRE metrics system.

Strategy 3: Advocate for inclusion in regional and state EDO BRE efforts.

Objective B: Professional development growth.

Strategy 1: Grow Economic Development staff.

Strategy 2: Support economic and community development certifications for staff and community partners.

Strategy 3: Advocate for training and certification opportunities for city and parish employees.

Objective C: Economic development funding.

Strategy 1: Maintain and grow NEDA investor portfolio.

Strategy 2: Identify and execute a source of dedicated funding for NEDA. Strategy 3: Advocate to improve quality and marketability of buildings and sites.

MAXIMIZE POTENTIAL Leverage opportunities that help Natchitoches Parish and its residents reach their full potential.

Objective A: Strong & thriving workforce.

Strategy 1: Increase soft skills development opportunities.

Strategy 2: Strengthen and grow the Work Natchitoches initiative.

Strategy 3: Support workforce programs in partnership with educational institutions.

Objective B: Prosperity for all.

Strategy 1: Increase financial literacy.

Strategy 2: Increase home ownership rates.

Strategy 3: Decrease transportation barriers between employers and the workforce.

Objective C: Effective & cohesive marketing.

Strategy 1: Launch the GoNatchitoches website.

Strategy 2: Build the GoNatchitoches brand across Natchitoches organizations.

Strategy 3: Build awareness of highwage, high-demand job opportunities.

CULTIVATE GROWTH Be the catalyst for healthy and sustainable growth.

Objective A: Marketable housing opportunities.

Strategy 1: Advocate for residential development as outlined in Natchitoches NEXT comprehensive plan.

Strategy 2: Identify opportunities for residential development in the parish.

Strategy 3: Convert residential development into talent attraction campaign.

Objective B: Compatible job growth.

Strategy 1: Identify and market to target industries.

Strategy 2: Refresh, grow, and effectively market buildings and sites inventory.

Objective C: Young professional attraction and retention.

Strategy 1: Support development of NSU entrepreneurship programs through the Innovation Center.

Strategy 2: Recruit businesses that fill gaps in our retail and entertainment offerings.

Strategy 3: Increase funding opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs.