John Karras

Northeast Indiana Strategic Development Commission – Northeast Indiana Five-Year Plan 2023-2028

Challenge Despite its long history of collaboration, the 11-county Northeast Indiana region faces significant challenges. These include limited population growth outside of Allen County (Fort Wayne), postsecondary education and credential attainment that lags state and national benchmarks, and per capita personal income levels that have fallen substantially below the US […]

Kern County, CA – Economic Diversification Strategy for East Kern

Challenge East Kern County’s economy is driven primarily by two military installations (Naval Air Weapons Station-China Lake and Edwards Air Force Base), the Mojave Air and Space Port, and Rio Tinto Minerals. Spanning more than 8,000 square miles and encompassing a diverse group of communities—including incorporated cities (California City, Ridgecrest,

Gulf Coast Community Foundation (MS) – Opportunity Analysis

Challenge Following the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010—the largest maritime oil spill in US history—the state of Mississippi was awarded $750 million to help offset economic damages in coastal communities. In 2018, the Mississippi legislature passed a law (Senate Bill 2002) committing 75 percent of the remaining BP

Jackson County Economic Development Foundation (MS) – Strategic Innovation Plan

Challenge Jackson County, Mississippi—one of the leading industrial centers along the Gulf Coast—has shown remarkable resiliency in the face of numerous challenges to its economic stability, including major storm events and economic upheavals associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The leadership’s commitment to economic growth has paid dividends, as evidenced by

City of North Miami, FL – Target Industry Analysis

Challenge Centrally located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the City of North Miami enjoys the benefits of both cities, including international airports, major seaports, and vibrant downtowns. Aside from its enviable location in one of the most dynamic regions in the US, North Miami boasts several distinct features. These include

City of San Antonio, TX – Economic Development Strategic Framework

Challenge One of a handful of US cities recognized around the world for its vivid history and cultural richness, San Antonio combines relatively affordable housing with a variety of amenities and entertainment options, an array of postsecondary institutions, and diverse career opportunities. Yet despite its many advantages, San Antonio’s track

Kaufman Economic Development Corporation (TX) – Economic Development Master Plan

Challenge Despite being part of one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas, Kaufman, Texas, was falling behind its Dallas-area peers in 2016. An analysis of trends revealed little population growth, a declining supply of housing, and lagging incomes and home values. Commuting patterns suggested the city was neither a stand-out

Northeast Indiana Regional Development Authority – Regional Development Plan

Challenge During the preparation of the Vision 2020 plan in 2010, leaders in the 11-county Northeast Indiana region highlighted a critical drop in per capita personal income over a 15-year period as several major employers downsized or ceased operations. Concerns about the region’s economic decline were amplified by stagnating population

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