Economic Development
Economic development leaders are facing heavier workloads, more complex projects, and limited staff capacity. Impact Economics partners with economic development organizations to provide strategic support - whether project specific or ongoing fractional capacity.
Our work is grounded in a simple principle: Public sector leaders need clear analysis, credible strategy, and practical support they can act on.
Strategic and Planning Support
Economic development strategy today must account for fiscal constraints, political realities, workforce dynamics, and long-term competitiveness. We help organizations think clearly about where they are going—and how to get there.
Strategic and planning services include:
Economic development strategic planning
Incentive policy design and refinement
Target industry and cluster analysis
Market and competitive positioning
Scenario planning for changing economic conditions
Our approach is analytical, not aspirational. We focus on strategies that are defensible, implementable, and aligned with community priorities—while recognizing that plans must stand up to scrutiny from boards, elected officials, and the public.
Capacity and Surge Support
Many organizations face periods where workload outpaces internal capacity—whether due to major projects, staff transitions, or new initiatives. Hiring permanent staff is not always feasible or timely.
Impact Economics provides short-term surge support and fractional advisory capacity to help organizations move forward without overextending their teams.
Capacity and surge support includes:
Fractional economic development advisory support
Short-term project staffing and analysis
Support during peak workload periods
Preparation of staff-level and executive-level materials
This model allows organizations to access senior-level expertise when needed, without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire.
Financial and Analytical Services
Sound economic development decisions depend on credible analysis. We specialize in producing clear, transparent, and decision-ready analysis that supports both internal planning and external communication.
Financial and analytical services include:
Financial modeling and fiscal impact analysis
Incentive deal evaluation and structuring
Cost-benefit and return-on-investment analysis
Board- and elected-official-ready presentations
Support for complex or high-profile projects
Our work is designed to inform decisions, justify policy choices, and reduce uncertainty—particularly when public resources are involved.
Flexible Engagement Options
Budget constraints are a reality for most public-sector organizations. We structure engagements to be clear in scope, transparent in cost, and flexible in format.
Engagement options may include:
Defined, project-based consulting
Short-term analytical or planning assignments
Fractional or retainer-based advisory support
Phased engagements aligned with budget cycles
Regardless of structure, we emphasize clear expectations, consistent communication, and deliverables that add value beyond in-house capacity.
A Partner Who Understands the Public Sector
Successful consulting engagements depend on more than technical expertise. They require an understanding of how public organizations operate—politically, financially, and institutionally.
Impact Economics brings:
Experience working with economic development organizations
Sensitivity to community context and local priorities
An appreciation for the demands placed on public leaders
A focus on trust, clarity, and execution
Our goal is not to replace internal staff, but to strengthen decision-making and extend organizational capacity where it matters most.
Let’s Talk
If your organization is facing increasing complexity, limited staff capacity, or upcoming strategic decisions, we welcome a conversation.
Schedule a brief discussion to explore whether Impact Economics can support your goals.
