Future Maitland is the first step in a journey toward a new economic development strategy. One that reflects the needs and aspirations of local businesses, industry and community stakeholders.
Client Challenge: As the first economic development strategy to be developed in Maitland, a fresh approach was required. A proposal to provoke creative ideas amongst communities, thinking about the economic future that they create and live in. The team was tasked to spark imagination and drive conversations within various groups on the alternative futures that may exist for Maitland. Commencing and sustaining a dialogue about the bold and bright opportunities that exist for the community over the next generation.
What we did: In collaboration with Maitland City Council, Future State facilitated six thought-provoking sessions over a 2-day period. Igniting a conversation with the community about its economic future. The sessions were carefully curated to enable participants to:
- reflect on the features or areas that Maitland should seek to protect and strengthen when defining its future economic landscape; and
- start a future-focused and optimistic conversation about their economic future at the cutting edge of mobility, jobs, skills, technology and innovation.
Our Impact: The communities’ responses and feedback were collated, reflected and synthesised into a clear set of key themes, ideas and emerging directions that Maitland City Council could further develop into a strategy that best suits Maitland’s economic aspirations.
“Future State facilitated a series of inspirational conversations focused on determining the economy of the future that best suits Maitland community aspirations.