City of Clovis, NM – Economic Development Plan

Challenge

Clovis, New Mexico, is fortunate to have an array of economic advantages that have helped the community weather the Great Recession (2007–2009) and the COVID-19-induced recession. These advantages include a robust agricultural sector, Cannon Air Force Base (Cannon AFB), strong manufacturing employers, and an abundance of cultural assets. While these elements have helped insulate Clovis from recent economic upheavals, the city has experienced a net loss of population over the last decade and has experienced labor shortages, factors which have begun to inhibit business retention and expansion efforts. As a result, local leaders recognized that Clovis’s future success is dependent on a more focused approach to economic development.

Response

In response, the city engaged TIP Strategies to prepare an economic development opportunities study and strategic plan. Using a three-phase planning process, TIP worked with local leaders to uncover the City’s challenges and strengths and to design strategies that will secure the economic vitality of Clovis for years to come. An initial assessment was conducted of the factors that impact the city’s diversification efforts and those that threaten its economic vitality. This quantitative analysis was supplemented by insights shared by city officials and stakeholders through individual and group interviews. In addition, a community survey was conducted which garnered more than 800 responses and solicited views on economic development activities. The strategic plan is grounded in three goals designed to diversify the city’s economic base; build a pipeline of talent that meets the needs of current and future employers; and create a quality of place that is appealing to residents, visitors, and investors.