Racine County Economic Development Corporation (WI) – Economic Adjustment Strategy & Implementation

Challenge

Traditionally dependent on heavy industry, Racine County sought to foster an environment where technology-based industries could develop and thrive. The county offered many of the elements that defined success under traditional economic development models: close proximity to two major metro areas, a significant manufacturing base comprised of an enviable number of internationally recognized companies, good transportation infrastructure, an agreeable quality of life, and committed leadership. While these advantages remained important, they were no longer sufficient to draw talent and investment to the area.

Response

To help the county reframe its economic development approach, the Racine County Economic Development Corporation (RCEDC) engaged TIP Strategies, in partnership with the IC2 Institute at the University of Texas, to prepare an Economic Adjustment Strategy (EAS). Informed by input from the business community, public officials, and economic and community development groups, the planning process was carried out in three phases: a baseline assessment of the county’s economy and assets, an analysis of its competitive advantages and most promising clusters, and the creation of a long-range action plan for RCEDC and its partners. Upon the plan’s completion in 2002, RCEDC appointed a countywide team to manage implementation and monitor progress. The EAS went through multiple iterations, guiding RCEDC’s activities for a decade or more. Notable outcomes include successfully launching the Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation (CATI), participating in commuter rail planning for the Chicago-Milwaukee Corridor, and negotiating a cross-jurisdictional infrastructure agreement that had hindered development on one of the county’s prime sites for many years. The resolution of this critical wastewater agreement was largely attributed to the collaboration fostered during the initial EAS planning process. In addition to periodic updates to the plan, TIP also prepared a business recruitment strategy for RCEDC, which featured a targeted international recruitment component.