Key Issues

There are over 330,000 people living within a 12.5 mile radius of Downtown Meridian. While this number is substantial, it is relatively meaningless in terms of clarifying target markets for the City Center. Downtown isn't for everyone, at least in terms of its market development strategy. The question is, which groups among these residents are most appropriate to pursue as long-term customers and clients?

To address this question, it is important to consider three key questions:

1. What economic niches are established for each of the major communities of Treasure Valley? The answer helps to identify distinctive competencies that already exist at the community level. The competitive environment also becomes more clear. Downtown Meridian can more readily tap markets already linked to the city as a whole and can work to complement niches established in other communities rather than compete head-on.
2. What are the region's overall development trends? Development in the areas of retail, office, industrial and residential segments offers insights into where the Treasure Valley 's communities are headed. Tapping trends is far more viable than running counter to them.
3. What is the demographic makeup of the Treasure Valley, especially within Meridian? The answer helps clarify opportunities for linking Downtown assets and business potential to market segments.
4. What are the region's overall consumer spending trends and potential? The answer will be very telling about how Meridian Downtown should seek to tap local and regional consumers.