In 2014, New Hanover County commissioned an economic development strategy, commonly referred to as the Garner Report. The goal of this document was simple – provide a clear focus of how the county can foster economic development through three key components: retaining and growing existing area businesses, increasing private business employment and investment in the county, and recruiting emerging business sectors to our community.
That study helped in designing and adopting the county’s 2018-2023 strategic plan, which focused on Intelligent Growth and Economic Development, Superior Education and Workforce, and Superior Public Health and Safety.
Last year, we contracted with Greenfield, a local economic development firm, to review and update the Garner Report to provide a comprehensive look at what we have accomplished thus far, what is in the process of happening and what we can expect in the future. This Economic Mobility Report was just ado