Performance Measures and Evaluation Framework

Approach

This CEDS responds to updated U.S. EDA requirements for performance measures. We intend measure our effectiveness using data points and milestones that can “be evaluated in an objective, timely, and cost-effective fashion.”36 We also chose performance measures that:

• Support our regional goals and ideal economic vision.

• Are clearly defined and focused on attainable, satisfactory outcomes.

• Have clearly identified responsible parties.

• Are – to the greatest extent possible – within the region’s ability to control (and not influenced by national or global trends).

36 U.S. EDA, Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Content Guidelines: Recommendations for Creating an Impactful CEDS, 2016, page 15.

Performance Measures

For the 2023 CEDS, SRPEDD intends to track the following “Top 10” performance measures:

• Continue to grow target industry clusters (as measured by location quotients greater than 1 relative to Massachusetts), especially in Health Care, Manufacturing, and Fishing/Agriculture, and Ocean-based NAICS industries.

• Maintain a current EDD-specific web page with an active, accurate inventory of sites (including a significant “development-ready” inventory) greater than or equal to 1,000 acres.

• Expand RESC activity and membership. Hold at least 4 RESC meetings per year (two virtual meetings and two meetings with in-person networking). Work with membership to identify and track the RESC’s own performance measures for success.

• Significantly advance/complete at least one prominent Workforce Development project in partnership with the region’s institutions to address a known or discovered skills gap.

• Revisit and reinvigorate the region’s coordinated Ocean-Based Industry/Marine Science and Technology (MST) Coalition under U.S. EDA’s leadership.

• Work in partnership with U.S. EDA, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and service area communities to significantly advance/ complete least one project that directly supports off-shore wind in Brayton Point, New Bedford Harbor, or another prominent deep water ports.

• Work in partnership with U.S. EDA, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and service area communities to significantly advance/ complete sewer infrastructure along at least one key corridor, such as Route 6 in Somerset/ Swansea.

• Work in partnership with U.S. EDA, other federal agencies, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and service area communities to significantly advance/complete at least three “softer” community development projects, such as place-making, arts and culture, and mixed-use project in one of the region’s transit-oriented development (TOD) areas, downtowns, or village centers.

• Work in partnership with U.S. EDA, other federal agencies, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and service area communities significantly advance remediation and redevelopment of at least one brownfield site in the region.

• Continue to narrow the unemployment and education gap (as measured by continued progress relative to the state of MA and other competitors).