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.