S.W.O.T. Analysis
S.W.O.T. ANALYSIS
KIPDA conducted an analysis of the region’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, known as a SWOT analysis. The analysis includes the feedback from KIPDA’s various regional committees, elected officials, and other stakeholders from the community on what they identified to be areas of priority for each of the categories. The SWOT had 100 respondents from all seven counties- Jefferson, Bullitt, Spencer, Shelby, Henry, Oldham, and Trimble. The respondents also ranked regional service priorities, economic development strategies, and capital improvements.
PUBLIC SURVEY RESULTS
The table below communicates respondents’ responses when asked to rate the top Regional Service Priorities in their community. The priorities are as follows: Childcare, Workforce Development/Job Training, Affordable Housing, High-Speed Internet, Equitable Access to Healthcare, Food Accessibility, Entrepreneur Support/Small Business Development, Public Services, Emergency Services Resources, Water Supply/Quality, Renewable Energy, Agriculture Supports, and Others.
Respondents were asked to choose the top strategies that would benefit their community’s economic development efforts. The top strategies are: Infrastructure (Utilities, Transportation Needs, Technology, etc.), Workforce Development and Retention, Quality of Life (Parks and Recreation, Elimination of Nuisance Properties, Better Housing, etc.), Business Incentives, and Talent Attraction.
Respondents were asked what capital improvements should be prioritized. Priorities were ranked numerically from 1 to 5 (1 = Little to No Priority, 5 = High Priority). Broadband Accessibility and Road Improvements were ranked as high priorities. Public Transit, Water and Sewer, Parks and Recreation, Community Facilities, Downtown Revitalization, Public Housing, Clean Energy Alternatives, Natural Gas Pipelines, Bike and Pedestrian Facilities, and Parking were moderate priorities.
STRATEGIC TARGET SECTORS
The CEDS survey respondents were asked how the region could better plan for economic resilience; responses included diversification of the economy, growing local small/midsized businesses, regional economic resiliency planning, and encouraging full community involvement. Additionally, strategic target sectors were identified where investments need to be made to strengthen local business and create a diverse economy. The target sectors were:
