Economic Strategy 2011-16

A GREATER Halifax: Economic Strategy for Halifax, Nova Scotia

Economic Strategy for Halifax

A GREATER Halifax evolved from Strategies for Success, our previous economic strategy for Halifax, Nova Scotia, which took us to early 2011. 

The Greater Halifax Partnership led the review and renewal process and worked closely with business, the three levels of government, non-profit, post-secondary and community representatives to develop the 2011-16 strategy.

The strategy was unanimously endorsed by HRM Regional Council on March 22, 2011
.

Economic Development Approach

Six key components work together to achieve our vision, prosperity and economic growth.

1. We will build on and improve the foundation (talent, regional centre, business climate)
2. We will work key enablers (marketing, research)
3. We will focus on business productivity and growth efforts (maximizing opportunities - retention, attraction, creation, expansion)
4. We will ensure alignment at all times (business, HRM, provincial government, federal government, not-for-profit, post-secondary, community)
5. We will track our progress (Halifax Index)
6. We will respect our values and honour our principles  

Values & Principles

Through our consultations we identified a short list of values, things that we believe in that are shared by many in our community.  Our values and our principles are the backbone of our strategy.  Our values say a lot about who we are and our principles show us how to approach things every day.

Vision

Our five-year economic strategy:
As the economic engine for the region, Halifax is a truly International city where people can learn, easily start and grow a business, capitalize on ideas, and live within a diverse, vibrant, and sustainable community.

 

Goals

1. Business Climate
2. Talent
3. Regional Centre
4. International Brand
5. Maximize Growth Opportunities

Implementation

The Strategy will be implemented by five action teams consisting of at least 50% business community members who will:

1.    Define terms of reference and how alignment among partners will work;
2.    Develop a detailed implementation plan;
3.    Sort out how the work will be resourced.

Measurement

In order to determine how well we are doing, outcome measures have been developed for each goal.  These measures will be used as part of a broader, collaborative measurement approach called the Halifax Index that will tell the story of economic prosperity in Halifax and provide a blueprint for improvement.  It will be presented each Spring to the community by the Greater Halifax Partnership and the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.

The Halifax Index will include:

• A progress report related to the goals, objectives and actions of the Strategy;
• Benchmarking against other similar cities;
• A measurement of business climate; and,
• A quality of place review.

<< back