September 25th, 2018 by WCBC Radio
The Indiana-based Thomas P. Miller & Associates, a firm hired by Allegany County to create an economic development strategic plan for the area, is well into phase one of the process that will lead to a fully developed plan early next year. The first phase, now underway, is studying regional demographics, economics and housing to better understand the county’s current condition. Part of this process will see officials performing a consumer demand analysis as a way to examine what people in the area are purchasing, and where. This phase is expected to last through October. A second phase, which will run through December, will invite community members’ participation, including two public meetings as well as public surveys. The final phase, including plan implementation, will define key focus areas throughout the county for economic development and setting “realistic goals.” While any number of similar studies conducted over the years have been largely ignored, County Commissioners President Jake Shade the county plans to use the new plan as its foundation and basis for future economic development decisions…
