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Challenge Solution
Outcomes
Challenge
The Charlotte economy, one of the most dynamic
in the United States, has developed a remarkable
service economy around banking. In terms of assets,
Charlotte is the second largest banking center.
Nonetheless, the economy is vulnerable. Low-end
manufacturing sectors are still a significant
part of the economy, and much of the economic
growth is attributable to just two banks, which
in a period of industry mergers cannot be relied
upon necessarily as a source of long-term growth.
At the same time, traffic, rising costs, tight
labor markets, and declining air quality are undermining
the conditions that have made Charlotte attractive
as a place to do business.
Solution
To address these challenges, ICF International is
helping Charlotte's leaders develop, and now implement,
a forward-looking plan to help the region accelerate
its transition to a more advanced and diverse
economy. A key part of this strategy is to develop
a next generation, "smart growth" approach
that focuses on seeking the appropriate balance
points between economic development, environmental
quality, and social equity in order to make Charlotte
more than just a pleasant, low-cost city.
Outcomes
ICF International has conducted industry cluster
analysis (delivered as a memo report), interviews,
working group meetings, policy analysis and development,
and delivery of final report with community "town
hall"-type meeting (videotape, panel presentation,
etc.)
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