Market Research Help?

[Kyle Trotman]

Hey guys!

I'm looking to invest in a market and wanted to contact the city clerk , the Economic Development Department, and the Planning and Zoning Department.

Any tips or recommendations on what public information I should be requesting from each? 

Any help or input would be much appreciated!! Thanks in advance and happy investing!
 

[Lore Postman]

@Kyle Trotman you might be surprised by the information available online. The secret is to be super curious (sounds like you are) and somewhat creative in your searches.

I’m a long-time business reporter/writer who LOVES to go down rabbit holes of public records research. In the last few years, I’ve seen a significant increase in the amount and quality of data being made available online.

Try searching the following:

YOUR CITY or COUNTY +

Economic development plan

Transportation plan

Transportation improvement plan

Regional impact project

Economic development impact project

Strategic master plan

Market analysis

Residential demand drivers

Economic demand drivers

Economic development risks and opportunities

Migration patterns

Gap analysis

Demand projections

Market study areas

Employment snapshot

Development snapshot

Transportation snapshot

Growth snapshot

Crime snapshot

Employment growth projections

Opportunity areas or areas of opportunity

Opportunity zones

Development grant opportunities

Those are some of the search terms I use when identifying the areas to in which I’ll invest. Be sure to save your successes (I like to copy them into a master document). Pretty quickly the information will run together.

Also try to find the master plans for the state. Lots of good insights packed into those.

Finally, as already mentioned, do look at the planning department websites for your area. You might find meeting minutes, planning projections, goals and objectives, etc.

Hope these help. I’d love to hear how you make out.