On August 7, 2018, the St. Tammany Parish Development District hosted a virtual question-and-answer session via conference call concerning its request for proposals to develop a comprehensive strategic plan.
The following questions were asked during the call, and the answers have been provided for your convenience and knowledge:
Q: What is the estimated budget for this project?
A: The agency has appropriated a level of funding that is in line with current market rates. The aim is to be cost-conscious and realistic about the amount needed to complete the project based on professional recommendations from the selected experts.
Q: Why is the timeline for completion so aggressive?
A: After the dissolution of the former lead economic development organization in St. Tammany, the new lead EDO is being built out from the ground up. The strategic plan is a critical priority for the acceleration of that build-out. The organization seeks actionable goals and objectives rooted in the latest data. The plan will be implemented beginning January 1, 2019.
Q: Is there a steering committee driving this effort, or will the firm be interfacing mostly with staff?
A: There is no steering committee. The expectation is that there will be a high level of community and stakeholder engagement throughout the planning process.
Q: Will the firm be responsible for educating stakeholders and promoting awareness of the plan?
A: We will take the responsibility to coordinate and facilitate stakeholder education in conjunction with the firm.
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