SWOT Analysis for the Shoreline Zone

Strengths | Weaknesses | Opportunities | Threats

* Denotes Top Priorities

Strengths

1. Transportation (Repeal of inventory tax: Hub for distribution)*
2. Location: Proximity to Chicago*
3. Water
4. Sewage treatment capacity adequate
5. Higher education
6. Industry and environmental community in relationship and dialogue
7. Skilled labor
8. South Shore
9. Steel
10. Hospitality industry
11. Port of Indiana

Weaknesses

1. Lack of coordinated planning*
2. Lack of State focus to Northwest Indiana (Environment, technology, commerce)*
3. Crowding on main arteries
4. Workforce: Entry level and trans. labor
5. Lack of associate's degrees and tech training
6. Environmental constraints: Water and air
7. Lack of tech awareness/appreciation
8. Public transit
9. Apathy in leadership/malaise in citizen perception
10. High tax rates
11. Performance of K-12 schools

Opportunities

1. Gary/Chicago Airport*
2. Extension of commuter rails*
3. Purdue Technology Center*
4. Brownfields
5. Shoreline availability
6. Opportunity for land reuse
7. High tech corridor

Threats

1. Tax structure*
2. Electronic bypass of Northwest Indiana*
3. Steel legacy costs
4. Peotone
5. Racism/cultural diversity