The annual corporate site selection survey shows that access to labour remains a key decision factor for corporate management teams evaluating new locations. Together with ‘Labour costs’, ‘Availability of skilled labour’ were the second and third most important site selection criteria. For the first time in probably forever, ‘Quality of life’ was in the top five. Combined these results show the growing requirements to have access to skilled labour at the right price. The results of the survey (see below) align well with the Amazon HQ RFP released late last year. Similar to the results below, the RFP had numerous requirements relating to costs and availability of the right building/site. Howe
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal highlighted the changes that many cities have made after being rejected by Amazon for its coveted HQ2 project. Apparently, Cincinnati and Sacramento are investing in workforce development programs while Orlando is creating a fund to invest in local start-ups. While many cities probably didn't enjoy getting the call, go on Amazon for doing it. These rejected cities will be better off for it. Read the full article here. You often learn more from the projects you lose rather than the ones you win. Regardless of winning or losing it is important for economic development organisations to strive for the continual improvement of the local economy. This mi
The ABS has released its annual update of estimated resident population (ERP). The nation’s growth areas continue to grow. The growth areas are suburban local governments located outside of the major capital cities. Essentially, the capital cities need areas to accommodate the ever increasing population. Whether or not the area has been designated by the government as a growth area or not, the characteristics of a growth area are the same. Relatively affordable land, which translates to relatively affordable new housing stock that is well connected and a relatively short commute into the capital city drives the often significant increases in new population. The majority of the top twenty fas
