John Karras

Greater Wausau Chamber of Commerce (WI) – Economic Development Strategic Plan

Challenge In 2018, the city of Wausau had stagnant population growth due to outmigration of residents moving to bigger, high-growth cities as a consequence of a national economy with record low unemployment. The area’s agriculture and food processing industry faced major headwinds due to global competition, automation, and labor shortages. […]

City of Yoakum, TX – Business Recruitment & Marketing Strategy

Challenge Following significant job losses during the Great Recession, Yoakum, Texas, has experienced steady annual employment growth since the downturn’s official end in 2009. These gains reflect the continued diversification of the area economy, driven in large part by energy-related growth surrounding the Eagle Ford Shale. The city has also

City of Richmond, VA – Economic Development Strategic Plan

Challenge Richmond’s population gains since the 2000 Census marked a reversal from contractions led by white flight and urban disinvestment in prior decades. In addition to its robust population growth, the city began drawing attention for its amenities including an emerging arts, food, and craft beer scene; a vibrant African

City of Irving, TX – Economic Development Strategic Plan

Challenge The City of Irving, Texas, operates in a highly competitive environment. Despite its many advantages—ranging from its transportation network to available workforce to prime sites—the city is in a constant battle for projects within the fast-growing Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. Irving occupies an enviable position in the region but

Delta Regional Authority – Regional Development Plan and Update

Challenge The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is a federal-state partnership serving a 252-county/parish area encompassing portions of Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee. Led by a Federal Co-Chairman and the governors of each participating state, the DRA is charged with improving the standard of living for the

Forsyth County, GA – Economic Development Strategic Plan

Challenge Situated in the scenic foothills of northern Georgia among miles of largely unspoiled Lake Lanier shoreline, Forsyth County’s rapid population growth, highly rated schools, and affluence has made it a prime location for investment within the fast-growing and dynamic Atlanta metro area. However, the county’s many assets and successes

Buda Economic Development Corporation (TX) – Economic Development Strategic Plan

Challenge Situated in the southern portion of the Austin metropolitan area, Buda has experienced tremendous growth. The city was recently ranked as the fastest growing US city among those with at least 5,000 residents as of 2010. This unparalleled growth brings tremendous opportunities, as well as significant challenges. How can

Town of Sahuarita, AZ – Sahuarita Economic Development P3 Master Plan

Challenge Located just south of Tucson near the US-Mexico border, the Town of Sahuarita, Arizona, has experienced rapid growth since its incorporation in 1994. Proximity to the University of Arizona (UA) and the recent completion of the Sahuarita Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Center (SAMTEC) have opened opportunities for the community

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