Economic Development Strategic Plan
Maryland Heights, MO
Project Details
Project Timeline: September 2023 — April 2024
Interviews and focus groups:
- EDD Commission Focus Group
- Pattonville High School Focus Group
- Individual interviews with several City Council Member and the Visitor Bureau Leadership team
Population: 27,559
Maryland Heights is a vibrant community with a rich history of commerce, safety, and diversity. As the City grows, strategic planning is crucial, prompting the creation of its first Economic Development Strategic Plan (EDSP). This plan assesses key factors shaping the City’s economic future, both locally and nationally, and identifies strengths and opportunities for growth. The Economic Development Department (EDD) has successfully driven real estate development and will focus on transforming office parks into dynamic hubs, boosting local business networks, enhancing community branding, and fostering inclusion in future projects.
The following are the strategies included in the final plan:
- Real Estate Development: Championing innovative and flexible real estate projects that cater to the evolving demands of a multi-generational community.
- Riverport Business Park Revitalization: Transforming Riverport business park into vibrant, multiused spaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and economic/community synergy.
- Retail/Restaurant Enhancement: Elevating the consumer landscape to support a thriving local business environment that appeals across different generational demands.
- Housing and Neighborhood Redevelopment: Developing diverse housing options that are sustainable, and aligned with the preferences of Millennials, Gen Z, and beyond, enhancing community livability.
- Local Business Network: Building a supportive network that facilitates learning and collaboration among businesses, fostering a dynamic economic ecosystem.
- Branding and Positioning: Strategically enhancing Maryland Heights’ brand to attract a diverse range of investments, talents, and businesses, reflecting the City’s vibrant community culture.
- Economic Development Commission/City Communication: Broadening the diversity of the Economic Development Commission and amplifying their voices, ensuring that decision-making reflects the multifaceted perspectives of the community.