Treasure Valley Economic Niches

Most of the five major Treasure Valley communities have distinctly different economic strengths or niches, as outlined in the table below. Meridian 's strategic strengths are relatively new and mostly growing. Among these are its medical, professional service, home service, and construction sectors. Recently, mall and strip-oriented retail development along Eagle Road has turned Meridian into an important retail destination as well. Each of these sectors draws clients and customers to them in substantial numbers every day.

These people and the businesses that serve them both have great potential to become markets for Downtown Meridian. In a time-starved era when consumers are multi-purpose shoppers, they could be attracted to convenient and comfortable business opportunities in Meridian 's city center. “While I'm in Meridian, I'll stop by Downtown to …” could be a strong inclination so long as access to the center is clear, timely and convenient. Enhancements to local traffic circulation and wayfinding are critical if Meridian 's leaders want to tap this potential.

Similarly, Meridian's major business sectors need and desire support. Downtown can provide a range of ancillary services to draw and

strengthen these ready targets. For example, medical centers have doctors and other specialists who need office space. All businesses require some level of professional service in fields like banking, law, accounting, and insurance. Such firms would do well to cluster in an attractive, high-amenity area like Downtown. With a marketable vision of Heart – Home – Hub, Meridian 's city center can and should aggressively recruit these candidate entities.

Other sectors that are well suited to Downtown Meridian's future include government and education. Government opportunities go well beyond City Hall's future home. As Ada County seeks to enhance its services, a Meridian location would be well suited to provide more ready access to County citizens. Federal agencies would do well to become situated in Downtown, centrally located in the Valley.

Continuing education providers are naturally anxious to locate in areas central to their markets. Community colleges, technical schools and other specialty education institutions would benefit from a Downtown location, so long as circulation and access are brought to reasonable levels of service.