(KNOX) –The Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation has announced its 2026 to 2029 strategic plan. They say they will be focusing on job creation and wage growth, expanding certain industry sectors, and advocating for pro-industry policies. They will also look to build relationships with site selectors.
Part of the plan lays out the organization’s goals for the next four years. Some of those goals include creating a net gain of 600 new jobs, hitting a 98% EDC client retention rate and reaching a 15% growth in primary sector wages. Reaching these goals would support the expansion and/or establishment of 36 projects. It would also add $1 billion in capital expenditures to the community. President and CEO of the EDC Keith Lund also says that another important goal is to add $45 million to Grand Forks’ property tax base.
The strategic plan also includes certain industry sectors the corporation wants to expand and grow in. Some of those sectors are agribusiness and ag technology, advanced manufacturing and autonomous systems and defense.
There is also an opportunity for industry growth and engagement through partnerships with the University of North Dakota and its research capabilities, that include sectors about national security and space, energy and environmental sustainability, as well as computational and data science. The plan also includes business development actions that would focus on attraction and expansion, workforce development, marketing and communications and stakeholder engagement.
The EDC is looking at being more proactive with business retention and expansion outreach to identify more expansion opportunities, as well as building sustained relationships with site selectors. The EDC is also looking to have more “shovel-ready sites,” along with infrastructure such as gas and electricity to promote primary sector growth.
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