DT #538 Mastering Site Preparation for Economic Development - Courtney Dunbar

In this episode of the Develop This Podcast, Dennis Fraise interviews Courtney Dunbar, who leads Burns and McDonnell's site selection consulting practice. They discuss the essential characteristics of a good industrial site, the challenges communities face in site preparation, and the importance of understanding target industries. Courtney emphasizes the need for diligence in site preparation, the value of certified sites, and the role of master planning in optimizing site functionality. The conversation also touches on effective marketing strategies for sites, the significance of building relationships within the site selection community, and the impact of FAM tours. Courtney concludes with advice for economic developers on sharpening their business cases to attract suitable industries.

Takeaways

• A good industrial site must optimize operations.
• Communities often seek a model of perfection in site preparation.
• Diligence in understanding site attributes is crucial.
• Smaller communities can compete with larger ones based on specific advantages.
• Identifying target industries is essential for effective economic development.
• Certified sites can streamline the site selection process.
• Master planning focuses on functional optimization rather than aesthetic layout.
• Building relationships in the site selection community is vital.
• FAM tours should prioritize meaningful interactions over packed schedules.
• Economic developers must create a strong business case for attracting industries.