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Consultants present 'Ferguson Forward' economic plan, outline five‑year implementation and call for an owner to lead execution
Summary
Consultants from Fourth Economy presented the Ferguson Forward strategic master plan, identifying four priority areas and 22 strategic recommendations; the firm recommended a phased, owner-led implementation and will return Dec. 2 with a final plan and implementation matrix.
Consultants from Fourth Economy on Nov. 18 presented the draft 'Ferguson Forward' economic development, growth and innovation strategic master plan to the Ferguson Township Board of Supervisors.
Maya Haptis, senior consultant, and Justin Wheeler described four priority areas—supporting businesses, enabling smart growth and responsive planning processes, enhancing quality of life and place, and increasing economic development capacity—and 22 corresponding strategic recommendations aimed at creating short‑ and long‑term outcomes for the township. Haptis said the team gathered more than 500 survey responses and held roundtables and public meetings to inform the recommendations. “The plan provides a roadmap for economic vitality and community well‑being over the next decade,” Haptis said.
Board members pressed consultants on timing and who would lead implementation. Wheeler and Haptis said the plan is intended as a living document with a five‑year implementation horizon for many actions, while acknowledging some initiatives will extend beyond five years. Both consultants emphasized the need for a single owner or implementation committee to maintain momentum: “We see a lot of success with implementation committees, and that could be potentially through staff or through the ICDA,” they said.
Consultants proposed a phased approach that initially leverages existing staff and the ICDA and recommended creating a full‑time economic development coordinator as capacity grows. They also outlined suggested partners, potential funding sources and metrics for monitoring progress. The final plan, with a detailed implementation matrix and funding and partner guidance, will be presented to the board at its Dec. 2 meeting.
Board members asked staff to ensure the final report clarifies how specific strategies tie to stated priorities (one supervisor said the connection between the first priority and its strategies was not yet clear). The consultants agreed to refine language and provide examples in the final document.
The board did not take formal action on the plan at the Nov. 18 meeting; staff said the finalized plan would be returned to the board for review and potential adoption.
