Jackson, Mississippi

Greater Jackson Area 10-Year Strategic Plan

With strong state government presence, numerous higher education institutions and investment from Nissan, the Greater Jackson area was relatively unscathed by the Great Recession. The area’s local economic success was, in part, due to a long history of proactive economic development planning engaged by the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership (GJCP). Since the 1980’s, GJCP has developed five-year initiatives to guide economic development in the region. However, the organization realized that Greater Jackson will need a longer-looking, holistic plan to ensure the region’s future economic success. The shift is more than just extending a time frame, it is about re-conceptualizing economic development in Greater Jackson to include other factors that have not traditionally fallen into economic development’s scope.

In August 2011, Market Street began its seven-month process with two research phases that will culminate into a 10-year Regional Strategic Plan. The plan will be developed over three action phases including a roadmap for how to achieve the strategic planning goals and a community roll-out of the decade-long plan. At the completion of this process, Greater Jackson will have a framework for future decisions regarding the priority of economic development programs, capital investments, target cluster development, community development and livability initiatives, workforce development, higher education collaborations, and community partnerships.

Phase 1: Competitive Assessment and Stakeholder Input
The Competitive Assessment took a detailed look at a variety of key indicators that can enhance or impair Greater Jackson’s economic competitiveness. The Greater Jackson area was compared to three other southeastern state capitals: Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Montgomery, Alabama. For select indicators, Market Street provided additional benchmarking against ten other metro areas and highlights the City of Jackson’s performance, recognizing that strong, economically vibrant regions are anchored by strong central cities. Along with the Competitive Assessment, Market Street Services conducted numerous focus groups, interviews, and online surveys to better understand the qualitative factors that influence the region’s local economy.

Phase II: Target Analysis
The Target Analysis will combine quantitative and qualitative information gathered during Phase 1 along with a thorough analysis of Greater Jackson’s economic structure. As a result, Market Street will identify which business sectors Greater Jackson has a competitive advantage and where GJCP can focus its economic development efforts.

Phase III: 10-Year Regional Strategic Plan
The quantitative and qualitative analyses culminate into a 10-Year Regional Strategic Plan. The plan will develop goal areas focused on addressing challenges and seizing opportunities for Greater Jackson’s future. As part of the process, Market Street will identify best practices which have had successful track records in other communities.

Phase IIII: Implementation Plan
A plan, no matter how visionary, is only valuable when it is implemented. Market Street believes that timely and effective implementation is critical to the success of Greater Jackson’s 10-Year Regional Strategic Plan. The Implementation Plan will transform the strategic plan into actionable items which GJCP and its partners can complete to initiate positive change in the region. The Implementation Plan serves as a road map to Greater Jackson’s future economic success.

Phase V: Community Roll-Out
The seven-month process will conclude with an official roll-out of the 10-Year Regional Strategic Plan. Market Street will leverage its experience with roll-outs from other clients to guide the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership and Steering Committee.