Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Consultants outline 'Ferguson Forward' plan; public engagement has reached nearly 1,000 residents
Summary
Fourth Economy presented Ferguson Forward, the township’s first economic development strategic master plan, saying the process has engaged about 919 residents and will produce draft strategies in November–December focused on inclusive growth, workforce connections, and place-making. Board members asked for more developer lists and engagement-hour details.
Consultants from Fourth Economy gave the Ferguson Township Board an update on the 'Ferguson Forward' economic development, growth and innovation strategic master plan during the regular meeting on October 20.
Nicole Mie Stilcke, a director at Fourth Economy, said the plan — the township’s first long-range economic development strategy — will establish a vision statement to guide inclusive and resilient growth. The team has integrated regional planning work and convened an active steering committee. Stilcke said the project moved from data analysis and SWOT work into a drafting phase in November and December, with public review to follow.
Justin Wheeler, also of Fourth Economy, summarized community engagement to date: "We have engaged with, at least, 919 residents so far in this process through a variety of channels," including surveys, roundtables, one-on-one interviews and attendance at public events. Findings highlighted a lack of coworking/incubator space, strong interest in regional workforce partnerships, an innovation base tied to firms such as AccuWeather and Minitab, and citizen desire to preserve farming and outdoor assets while improving arts, culture and place‑making.
Board members pressed for additional detail. Supervisor Heller asked which builders and companies had been included; Wheeler said a developer roundtable (about 90 minutes) and 30–45 minute interviews were held and that SMA Homes had participated in recent build sessions. Staff agreed to provide a more detailed list of participating firms and engagement hours.
Fourth Economy said next steps include topic-specific build sessions this week (responsible development, business/workforce supports, and quality of place) to refine strategies and identify partners and funding sources. The draft plan will be circulated to the steering committee and select stakeholders before a public release later this year.
Why it matters: the strategic plan is intended to guide land‑use, business support and investment priorities for the township, balance preservation and development pressures, and identify realistic funding and partnership approaches for implementation.
