This web site is still under development but rather than wait until the site is completed we wanted to go ahead and start uploading relevant information items that pertain to economic development in Kent.
Eventually this site will include a comprehensive inventory of economic data and building site information, as well as strategy documents and City economic development initiatives, but for now we want to begin to provide a clearinghouse for useful economic development items.
– quantifies the importance of jobs and income tax to the financial health of the City.
1b. City Competitiveness Report – compares the cost of services and taxes in Kent with peer cities in region.
1c. Citizen Survey Results – identifies citizen satisfaction levels and willingness to pay more for city services.
1d. Blue Ribbon Panel Recommendation – a team of financial professionals reviewed Kent’s financial status and recommended spending $1 million a year on economic development. Click Here
to view the Panel’s powerpoint presentation.
Section 2: Understanding the Kent Economic Market 2a. The Kent Brand Report – begins a dialogue on understanding and building the Kent brand.
2b. Downtown Retail Trade Area Data – provides a psychographic profile and market segmentation for the downtown Kent retail trade area.
2c. Downtown Retail Survey Data - includes survey data from students for retail preferences for downtown Kent.
2d. Kent Retail Assessment Citywide - this report evaluates the trade area for four locations around Kent (Spaulding @ SR 59, SR 43 @ SR 261, SR59 @ SR 261, Downtown Kent).
3b. Kent Site Selection Assessment Presentation – a powerpoint from a representative from the Austin Company that reviews the site selection process used for industrial and office clients and provides an assessment of Kent’s “economic development readiness.”
3c. Kent Whitewater Concept – this project is still in development but here’s a web page devoted to the concept.
3d. Kent Sports Tourism Collaboration – the city and the university are in the process of forming a sports collaborative to bring events to Kent. Here’s the research behind the effort.
4d. Business Relocation Policy – Kent City Council adopted a relocation policy to help businesses impacted by City economic development initiatives.
Section 5: Kent Economic Development News and Reports
5a. Cambria Moving To Kent Site – “The strong local economy makes Kent an ideal location for our $4 million facility and we look forward to growing Cambria’s presence throughout the region.”
5c. Kent State Announces New Kent Research Park - “The Research Park will provide space and support for specialized companies to thrive and grow near the university and its other partners.”
