SWOT analysis below is from the 2008-2013 Permian Basin CEDS.
StrengthsAbundance of land in some areas
Available alternative energies - wind, solar, oil, gas, geothermal, and nuclear Energy business is booming Expertise being shared btwn private and public sector - promote energy industry Stable weather Attainment area; no major pollutants Plentiful Industrial water supplies Regional leadership meetings Location on I-20 and I-10 with I-27 expansion planned and reliever routes Education - UTPB, 3 community colleges, West TX P-16, UTPB Center for Energy & Diversification SBA using technology for business development Combined efforts of workforce staff and EDCs to recruit out of region workers East/West railroad service Midland International Airport Performing Arts Center Large capacity road systems Low congestion roadways Texas Pecos Trails Program |
WeaknessesLack of skilled workforce, particularly rural
Workforce availability with low unemployment Capital investments Rural areas losing business & people to Midland/Odessa Affordable housing and building therof Lack of alternative energy transmission capability, specifically to metro area No North/South rail service Competitiveness and lack of cohesiveness between communities in region Highways and county roads deteriorating "Quality of Life" not attractive to young people Lack of minorities in professional positions Lack of marketing plan for the region Lack of funds to support dedicated economic/community development (rural) Lack of technology centers in rural areas that would support long-distance learning Size of the communities limit industry development (rural) Transportation infrastructure btwn communities not adequate - support industry Lack of cooperation with Union Pacific |
Opportunities |
Threats |
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Build up tourism throughout the region
Strengthening of out of region recruitment Entrepreneurship training and assistance Development of skilled workforce through planned training/education Organized effort to request R&D Partner with government entities and state/federal officials to support PB Diversification of economic base Establish conduit to sell alternative energy products Unified regional plan for economic development Raise awareness of alternative energy opportunities Establish rural hubs for distance learning Public transportation interconnectivity Regionalism - uniting efforts to promote and market region "great place to live" Develop intermodal rail yard (assist delivery of drilling equipment) |
Competition with other regions for skilled workforce
Competition for federal funding with cities east of I-35 Growth outpacing building of infrastructure Lack of housing keeps workers away Rising cost of fuel for business operations Deterioration of city/county buildings Deterioration of city/county buildings Non-diversified population Nuclear family is diminishing (youth leaving region) Lack of housing threatens economic development |