Page 39 - Murfreesboro, TN Comprehensive Plan: Chapter 7, Economic Development

Economic Development 7.39

DRAFT 12.02.15

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN MALL
Charlottesville, Virginia

when the district was threatened to be bulldozed for a Housing – availability of affordable housing based
modern commercial center. Through the branding and on incomes for the city, the walkability to amenities,
marketing efforts of a public/private partnership, the and the variety of housing types;
downtown saw an influx of redevelopment through
historic building renovations, landscaping and sidewalk Social and Civic Capital – a measure of crime, voter
improvements, and other pedestrian amenities. The participation, community activity involvement, city
City of Asheville continued its efforts in keeping the meetings, and charity giving; and
downtown active by remaining downtown. When other Transportation – walk scores, public transit, access
public facilities required new offices, the City purchased
and restored downtown buildings. to airports, and transportation costs.
According to Livability.com, three of the comparison
MARKETING STRATEGIES cities for Murfreesboro were in the Top 100 Best Places
Cities want to be considered the best of something when to Live for 2015: Asheville ranked 12th in the nation,
compared to the rest of the United States, whether it be Greenville was ranked 33rd, and Columbia ranked
the best place to live or the best city to start a small 50th. Money.com and Forbes.com also rank cities based
business. According to Livability.com, there are eight on economic strengths. Cary ranked 2nd under the
criteria evaluated in determining if a city is the best category of “Cities Creating the Most Technology Jobs,”
place to live. The criteria are: and 2nd regarding, “Best Cities to Work for a Small
Business.” These ranking systems are broken down
Amenities – having things to do, can draw into a methodology which narrows the search for cities
businesses and money spending tourists to the city, from thousands down to one. Factors that influence
outdoor recreation space, and the arts; the decisions of the ranking can include taxes, the real
estate market, economic stability (local dollars staying
Demographics – issues of diversity, accessibility, local), prior and projected job growth, housing factors,
and inclusion; and citizen input. It is important to note that no two
Economy – the balance between affordable livability methodologies used by separate entities will produce
and the availability to support amenities; the same results but the factors considered are similar.
These are just a few of the many sites where cities are
Education – educational attainment of residents, ranked based on certain criteria and data gathered from
the presence of colleges and universities, and the sources. While these rankings are never formalized,
sense of community these educational institutions they are a marketing tool which can be used to draw
provide; businesses, new residents, and visitors to a city.
Health Care – large demand for jobs and a driving
force behind why many people relocate to an area
(jobs or need of care);