DURHAM, Dec. 8, 2020 - In the Triangle region, comprised of Chatham, Durham, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Orange and Wake counties, building a strong, resilient, and inclusive economy requires the combined effort of many. A new Triangle J Council of Governments (TJCOG) plan, Strength in Numbers, outlines the immense value of the region's many partners and formalizes a strategy for coordinated regional economic development. Developed through a year-long engagement and review process, the plan builds upon existing economic conditions and regional assets and opportunities, and offers measurable and concrete strategies to guide resource prioritization and implementation and overcome socioeconomic disparities.
The plan's overarching vision for an inclusive regional economy is incorporated into five goals and associated action plans.
- Business Retention, Expansion, and Innovation
- Robust Infrastructure
- Workforce Development
- Connected and Vibrant Places
- Economic Resiliency
Goals will be measured regularly through interim reports to hold the region accountable and ensure action steps remain on schedule.
As the region’s Economic Development District, a designation from the U.S Economic Development Administration (EDA), TJCOG is tasked with overseeing the plan's development and implementation, building robust economic partnerships through the process, and assisting local governments connect their local efforts to the region’s strategy.
“The Strength in Numbers Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is an important opportunity for cross-jurisdictional partners to convene and identify a common vision for the future and the steps needed to reach this future”, said Hillary Sherman, EDA’s Economic Development Representative for North Carolina. “The CEDS process provides a unique opportunity for diverse perspectives to engage across jurisdictional boundaries to assess needs, connect assets, and coordinate strategic local activities to achieve regionally developed strategies. EDA appreciates the leadership TJCOG has demonstrated in leading the development of this plan and looks forward to the next step in the process.”
The plan also serves as an important prerequisite and blueprint to strengthen the competitiveness of local and regional applications for funding and investment; application alignment with the Strength in Numbers plan will be a critical element to receive greater federal and state resources.
Input from community partners throughout the plan's development helped to ensure goals and action plans match local need. A steering committee of 15 community and economic development partners in the region were instrumental in the refinement of the plan's strategies and will continue to provide guidance to TJCOG to ensure planning and implementation phases are successful and valuable.
Chris Johnson, Johnston County’s Economic Development Director and a member of the steering committee remarked, “I have long been a strong proponent of regionalism and see the value of pooling resources for the benefit of taxpayers and economic development stakeholders. The thorough process and comprehensive leadership of TJCOG during the "Strength in Numbers" planning stages, will position Johnston County and our neighbors for better opportunity of economic resilience and prosperity for many years.”
The full Strength in Numbers plan can be viewed here.
Media Contact:
Alana Keegan
akeegan@tjcog.org
919.558.2706
