Insights

Implementation & measurement

Shelbyville, Tennessee, courthouse. Aeria photo

Advancing Competitiveness Through Place-Based Infrastructure

by Alex Cooke

For smaller communities, competitiveness increasingly depends on more than industrial infrastructure. TIP’s recent work in Tennessee illustrates how investments in parks, trails, downtown districts, and tourism assets can strengthen talent attraction, support business growth, preserve local character, and capture regional opportunity. Communities that embrace place-based infrastructure are better positioned for long-term economic vitality.

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Aerial view of a large AI data center complex under construction,

Data Centers: Contentious Infrastructure of the Future

by Evan Johnston

Data center build-out remains a major topic for economic developers in communities of all sizes. At the same time, public opposition to these massive investments also continues to grow and has increasingly codified into moratoriums and outright bans. Local leaders should reframe their perspective on data centers as catalysts with the potential to drive innovation, if structured to center community benefits.

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Southern Gateway-Bridge Skyline Dallas

Laying the Groundwork for Opportunity Zones 2.0

by Jess Myers

Opportunity Zones (OZs) have been a major focus for economic developers and investors nationwide. While OZ 1.0 showed mixed results, OZ 2.0 offers a permanent, more transparent framework for implementation. Communities that align priorities, build readiness, and coordinate investment now will be best positioned to capture private capital and deliver meaningful economic and community outcomes.

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State of Implementation

by Tracye McDaniel

Across 30 years of engagements, TIP has learned that strategy only matters when it drives visible movement. President Tracye McDaniel examines how communities translate plans into visible progress through strong governance, real-time measurement, and adaptive tools. Her insights underscore why implementation now distinguishes regions that merely prepare for the future from those actively building it.

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AI digital hank shaking a human hand

AI Agents in Economic Development

by Ajay Kasturirangan

Economic development teams often face the challenge of implementing strategic plans with limited capacity. As a practical innovation, AI agents represent a promising shift in meeting that challenge. They represent a novel approach to how work gets done through a clear and phased approach.

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Implementation concept of a hand moving wooden cylinders through a flow chart.

Beyond the Blueprint: Real World Strategies for Implementation

by Jenn Todd-Goynes, CNU-A

Strategic planning is only the first step; successful implementation requires a clear vision, effective communication, and actionable steps. This blog post highlights how TIP has supported clients like the City of Dallas, Greater Fort Wayne Inc., and the Greater Baltimore Committee in moving from strategy to impact, offering insights on bridging planning with execution to drive meaningful results.

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A view of the Baltimore city skyline from the harbor with boats and docks in the water

Equity-Driven Implementation: Insights from the Baltimore Region

by Mishka Parkins

Ensuring equity and inclusion during implementation is as vital as integrating them into planning. The Greater Baltimore Committee’s All In 2035 plan, prepared with guidance from TIP Strategies, highlights practices for maintaining a focus on inclusivity, including engaging diverse stakeholders, establishing measurable goals, and fostering transparency and accountability. The organization’s approach offers a model for creating long-term, equitable growth.

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Small flags of many countries on strings radiating from a central pole, viewed from below.

Global Connections, Local Impact: Harnessing International Partnerships

by Victoria Wilson

In a globalized economy, international partnerships are essential for cities to thrive. Fostering connections with universities, businesses, and cultural organizations drives economic growth, innovation, and resilience. By integrating international relationships into cohesive strategies, cities can transform these ties into actionable benefits, ensuring implementation success in today’s dynamic global landscape.

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Map with a magnifying glass selecting road detail

Tracking Active Transportation Improvements with GIS

by Reece Neathery

Transparent and well-documented implementation is key to the success of long-term planning efforts. GIS is an especially effective tool for tracking specific, place-based projects, including infrastructure and mobility improvements. Regional organizations and governments in places like Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and Seattle are using GIS maps to enhance accountability and ensure stakeholders can see tangible progress across multiple plans and agencies.

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