Aspire Johnson County Launches Update to Economic Strategic Plan
Aspire Johnson County is preparing for the future by updating its Economic Strategic Plan, a roadmap that guides business growth, workforce development, and community prosperity efforts in the County. The current plan, adopted in 2020, has carried Johnson County through a period of rapid change, including the unique challenges of the pandemic. Now, as Aspire wraps up the final year of the five-year cycle, the organization is taking stock of progress, listening to stakeholders, and laying out priorities for the next phase of growth.
The new plan will be targeted and data-driven, centered around:
Project Attraction - Bringing new investment and employers to Johnson County.
Business Retention - Supporting existing companies so they can grow and thrive locally.
Workforce Development - Strengthening the talent pipeline to meet employer needs.
Talent Attraction - Positioning Johnson County as a destination for young professionals and families.
By concentrating efforts on these areas, Aspire is aligning the plan with both the realities of today’s economy and the opportunities on the horizon.
To ensure the plan reflects the full spectrum of community needs, Aspire convened a steering committee that includes representatives from municipal and county government, industrial employers, real estate professionals, and development experts.
“These leaders bring not only expertise in their industries but also valuable insight into the strengths, challenges, and opportunities facing Johnson County. Their collaboration will help craft a strategy that is both realistic and forward-thinking.”, said Amanda Rubadue, CEcD, Vice President of Economic Development.
Aspire has also invested in extensive community input through an online SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats) survey and several stakeholder listening sessions. Many voices have already shaped the conversation, identifying both strengths to build on and areas where the county must adapt. Themes emerging from this feedback include:
* Recognition of the strong collaboration that exists between government, business, and non-profit organizations.
* Building flexibility into the plan, including regular checks to confirm alignment with current economic trends and diversifying target industries for project attraction efforts.
* The importance of attracting and retaining a younger workforce to sustain long-term growth
* A clear need for more housing diversity to accommodate different income levels and lifestyles.
Beyond qualitative input, Aspire is working with partners to gather and analyze data. This includes commuting patterns, site inventory and gap analysis, and forecasts of which industries are likely to expand or contract in central Indiana over the next decade. Having this information will ensure that Johnson County is proactive in preparing for growth, aligning land use and infrastructure planning with the needs of future employers and residents.
In October, the steering committee will shift into strategy development, translating the findings into clear goals and action steps. By November, a draft plan will be reviewed by Aspire’s Economic Development Advisory Council, and in December, Aspire’s Board will conduct a final review.
“As Aspire looks ahead, the updated strategic plan represents more than a document, it is a commitment to building a stronger, more resilient, and more competitive Johnson County.” said Rubadue. By combining broad community input with data-driven analysis, and by focusing on the areas of greatest opportunity, the plan will provide a roadmap for growth that benefits businesses, residents, and future generations alike.
Aspire Johnson County is proud to lead this process and looks forward to sharing the final plan with the community.