The SRPEDD Regional Resilience Plan (SRRP) For detailed information about this flagship resilience project, please see Section E of this document.
Strengths
• • •
Strong regional universities, colleges, and community colleges Cities and large towns with growing and increasingly more diverse and educated populations Incredible coastlines, rivers, natural resources, and recreation
Weaknesses
• • • •
We have higher unemployment Despite gains, our workforce development efforts are not keeping pace with competitors and the modern economy Modern infrastructure investments – especially in ports, water, sewer, and broadband – are still required for more growth Our businesses and residents remain subject to fluctuations in utility rate.
Opportunities
• •
Our region is strategically located to build on its existing Marine Science and Technology clusters and become the center of New England’s off-shore wind industry Improved educational attainment can be advanced through strategic workforce development that is tailored to the “biotech” manufacturing, MST-based, and health care industries
Threats
• • •
Climate change, sea level rise, and increased storm events Unforeseen economic and social disruptions, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic An aging population with increasing need for social services
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