The Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded the Florida Institute of Technology with a $1.4 m grant to transform an empty 100,000 square foot facility into a brand new Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Innovative Design. Prior to working with TFG, the University had not found success in obtaining EDA funding. Working in partnership with TFG, the City of Palm Bay, Florida and key contacts at the Economic Development Administration for a year resulted in success for the University and Palm Bay. The new Center will significantly enhance Florida’s advanced manufacturing and engineering capabilities – serving as a key economic engine for the region, the state of Florida and the nation.

The City of High Point submitted an application for a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Challenge grant to fund a rewrite of the City’s development ordinance but was unsuccessful. TFG engaged City staff the following year to re-imagine the project as “UPDATE High Point: Preparing for the 21st Century,” providing a new strategic framework explicitly designed to meet HUD funding priorities. Working with TFG, the City secured the full $239,141 requested to write a new development ordinance that will revitalize the downtown by directing new economic development to the urban core, protecting existing neighborhoods and incentivizing the development of mixed-income housing.

TFG worked with Sutter County staff and elected officials and as the local Economic Development Corporation to launch the SutterForward initiative. SutterForward expands on TFG’s Economic and Demographic Analysis Report and incorporates a stakeholder, local business, and citizen input in to the economic development strategy. The SutterForward process also analyzes projects identified in the County’s General Plan update and incorporates them in to a strategic federal funding and grant work plan that will help support the economic and workforce goals of the overall initiative.