City’s Economic Development Strategy Targets Innovation and Talent Recruitment

GVL is Innovation and Talent!

Liberty Bridge

City Council got its first look at a draft Economic Development Strategic Plan during an October 24 briefing. Focus areas include innovation and entrepreneurship; diversity, equity, and inclusion; maintaining livability and staying true to the GVL2040 Comprehensive Plan goals surrounding housing affordability, transportation and mobility.

The Strategic Plan calls for continued growth in Automotive, Production Technology, Life Sciences and Advanced Materials. An emerging center for tech-driven enterprises, Greenville’s entrepreneurs benefit from a support network of mentors and investors. The plan says the City can be more intentional in its efforts to support small businesses and a growing innovation sector.

“Greenville SC is a fast-growing community. We are a launching pad for talent. We are positioned to attract new investment. Now we have a roadmap to keep us on track. We continue to rank among the best places to live, work and play, we need to capitalize on that momentum,” said City Manager John McDonough.

This year Conde Nast Travel named Greenville to its Readers’ Choice list of Best Small CitiesMoney named us one of the 2022 Best Places to Live and one of the 2021 Best Places for Remote Work. With a vibrant downtown and assets like the Swamp Rabbit Trail, Fall’s Park and Unity Park, Greenville’s quality of place is unrivaled.

“Our talent pool is deep. More than half of Greenville’s residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher, a share that is 60% greater than the U.S. average. As the home to research institutions like Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research and startup supports like the Hill Institute at Furman University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Greenville is positioned to attract and retain a knowledge-based workforce,” said Economic Development Director Merle Johnson.

Greenville has a history of effective economic development collaborations and successful public-private partnerships. Moving forward, the Strategic Plan calls for more defined roles among its economic development partners, business leaders, community development representatives and anchor institutions.

City Council is expected to adopt the plan by resolution at its November 2022 meeting.

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