Site Selection Checklist for Economic Development Teams

When assessing sites for economic development, begin with key criteria such as zoning compatibility and minimum square footage. Engage stakeholders early to define responsibilities and decision timelines. Evaluate the local labor market for availability of skilled workers and review unemployment rates. Assess infrastructure readiness, including utilities and transportation access. Consider environmental factors and regulatory requirements as part of the evaluation.

Key Takeaways

• Define non-negotiable requirements such as square footage and zoning compatibility.

• Evaluate geographic fit, including proximity to highways and labor market characteristics.

• Engage cross-departmental stakeholders early to clarify approvals, timelines, and decision criteria.

• Analyze labor market trends, including unemployment and availability of target-skilled workers.

• Review infrastructure readiness, including utilities capacity and telecommunications.

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Key Steps in the Site Selection Process: Site Selection Checklist for Economic Development Teams.

Define key selection criteria with the project team, focusing on geographic fit, industry presence, workforce demographics, and resource availability. Track logistics, utilities, and real estate costs to filter locations. Use multiple screening rounds to narrow options. Develop location profiles for top candidates and assess site readiness levels such as greenfield, shell, or permitted buildings. Maintain documentation and confidentiality while providing regular updates to HR, finance, and legal stakeholders using transparent decision criteria Site Selection Checklist for Economic Development Teams.

Identifying Key Site Selection Criteria

Separate non-negotiables from negotiables. Non-negotiables include minimum square footage, zoning compatibility, and available utilities. Evaluate geographic fit, including logistics and labor market conditions. Review economic incentives and regulatory environment such as tax abatements and workforce training funds. Assess infrastructure readiness, including utility capacity and telecom redundancy. Consider environmental and community factors such as environmental assessments and socio-political impacts.

Getting Stakeholders on the Same Page

Engage operations, HR, finance, and legal teams early to clarify approval processes, timelines, and decision criteria. Define responsibilities for departmental sign-offs to reduce delays. Align stakeholders on non-negotiables to avoid unrealistic site pursuits. Maintain a documented and transparent process while protecting confidentiality.

How to Evaluate Labor Market Needs

Identify current job openings and projected hiring needs over the next three to five years. Analyze local unemployment rates, labor force participation, and historical trends. Assess availability of target-skilled workers and relevant training programs.

• Labor demand: quantify job openings and required skills.

• Supply analysis: review unemployment and labor force trends.

• Workforce scalability: assess seasonal capacity and industry transitions.

Understanding Infrastructure and Utility Access

Assess water sources, including groundwater and surface water, and system capacity. Review wastewater treatment facilities, sewer line sizes, and pretreatment requirements. Evaluate telecommunications and broadband providers, speeds, and redundancy. Confirm gas distribution capacity and power availability. Compare overall utility readiness with project timelines to estimate startup risks.

Navigating Zoning and Environmental Rules

Identify zoning classifications and permitted uses. Conduct Phase I environmental assessments and plan for Phase II if required. Evaluate permitting timelines and potential impacts from amendments or variances.

Key considerations include reviewing contiguous parcels for zoning consistency, assessing environmental constraints such as soil and flood risk, and planning for long-term environmental compliance obligations.

Assessing Transportation Options for Sites

Evaluate proximity to interstate access, truck routes, and traffic patterns. Review rail access, freight carriers, service frequency, and distance to main lines. Assess proximity to regional airports and general aviation facilities, including cargo capacity. Consider port access where applicable. Review road quality, transit options, and planned infrastructure improvements.

Balancing Short-Term Needs With Long-Term Goals

Define non-negotiables while remaining flexible on cost and timing. Use multi-phase screening to address immediate needs and future growth. Align stakeholders early so decision criteria support both near-term objectives and long-term plans.