Plan Allows Johns Creek To Plot For Future Success

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JOHNS CREEK, GA -- The Johns Creek City Council at its Monday, Feb. 22 meeting approved a Strategic Economic Development Plan that will serve as a blueprint for addressing the economic climate of the city to enhance fiscal health, tax base expansion, quality job creation and support for municipal services.

“With the adopted plan, the city can now move forward in a deliberate way to improve the long-term economic viability of Johns Creek,” said Mayor Mike Bodker. “The strategies in the plan provide a framework from which we can help to ensure the Johns Creek’s business environment is optimized for success while, at the same time, maintain our residents’ high quality of life.”

In analyzing the city’s strengths, the plan identifies Johns Creeks’ biggest assets as its excellent schools, good neighborhoods, educated residents and quality of life.

Johns Creek’s biggest challenges?

If you guessed traffic congestion and a lack of quality office space that is aging, you’re right on the mark.

• You can read the Strategic Economic Development Plan here.

However, the plan indicates that the city has recruiting opportunities if it can provide a strategic vision for the business community. This plan also recommends the city promote its growing medical and healthcare sectors.

The strategy identifies six target industries: high technology, information technology, software publishing, financial services, medical technology and professional services.

Programs and actions outlined in the strategic plan provide the basis for collaborative working relationship between the public and private sector, and sets forth strategies to guide decision-making. It focuses attention on programs to support business recruitment and retention of existing businesses.

The plan was drafted by Strategic Planning Group, an economic development planning firm with the guidance of Johns Creek City Council members Steve Broadbent and Bob Gray, members of the Johns Creek Advantage and the Johns Creek Chamber of Commerce and the city staff.

The plan analyzed several elements, such as the city’s economic base, strengths, weaknesses and opportunities related to employment and businesses, office market, retail market and labor market.

It also outlines goals and suggestions for implementation. The five goals that guide the economic development effort include:

• Promote city image, climate and brand for economic development;
• Develop infrastructure for balanced growth;
• Position the city for economic development;
• Collaborate with public and private sectors to increase the availability of developed sites; and
• Maintain and improve quality of life

The strategies in the plan are subject to City Council approval. Johns Creek will now public input prior to moving many of the strategies forward.

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Image via city of Johns Creek