Economic Development Strategic Plan

The City is creating a five-year Economic Development Strategic Plan to set clear goals for growing and sustaining the local economy. The plan will cover how to support businesses, guide redevelopment, and keep the city fiscally healthy. It will also help shape updates to city policies. The plan is expected to be complete in June 2026.

Right now, the project is in its research and direction-setting phase. That means the city is analyzing data and gathering input from stakeholders to identify priorities. Here's what's emerging as the key focus areas:

Reinvestment in Existing Commercial Areas Savage doesn't have much undeveloped land left, so the focus is on reinvesting in what's already here. That means supporting businesses that have been part of the community for years, helping new businesses get off the ground, and encouraging smart redevelopment of existing properties.

Highway 13 and Downtown Both Highway 13 and downtown Savage remain priorities for long-term growth. The plan will look at infrastructure improvements, redevelopment opportunities, and how to address challenges that have been on the radar for a while.

Workforce and Education Partnerships Building stronger connections between schools, training programs, and local employers can help residents find good-paying jobs close to home, including in technical and emerging fields.

Housing for All Life Stages The plan recognizes that people need different types of housing at different points in their lives. Keeping housing affordable across income levels is key to maintaining a community that works for everyone.

A Stronger, More Balanced Tax Base More commercial and industrial development means the property tax burden doesn't fall so heavily on residents. A broader tax base supports city services and long-term financial stability.

We want to hear from you. Take the short survey below to share what you see as the most important priorities for Savage's economic future.