Sustainable Economic Development: Toolbox Chapter. Request for Qualifications from Economic Development Consultants

Envision Utah

The main objective in this project is to develop strategies for integrating community planning and economic development objectives specific to and appropriate for cities and counties in Utah's Greater Wasatch Area (ten counties, predominantly urban). We are looking for a consultant with experience in housing and transportation aspects of economic development: i.e. strategies with a holistic approach to attract employees and create jobs. The consultant will be working with and guided by a Task Force (approx.30 individuals) that will review the consultant's progress at monthly (approximately six) meetings and make recommendations.

After a consulting team is selected, Envision Utah and DBED will work with the successful applicant to develop a scope of work and budget that fulfills the primary tasks.

Purpose: A toolbox chapter tailored for local Economic Development specialists (as well as planners, business leaders and elected officials) to assist and guide in attracting and locating new businesses and to inform the development of infrastructure to support those businesses. Our interest is not just on generic business. Our emphasis is on jobs that pay higher wages than the prevailing wages in a community. This means that the businesses we are seeking to attract and expand are usually characterized as high tech, or new economy, or based on the knowledge economy. Advanced manufacturing is also a desirable target. Our target firms need access to R&D facilities and resources, educational resources that translate into a skilled workforce, reliable and clean energy sources, access to both ground and air transportation, and high speed communications. For Utah to compete successfully in a global marketplace for knowledge based workers, a significant number of our urbanized communities need to demonstrate a regard for these qualitative issues.