From Undiscovered to Market-Ready: Inside the SSI Program’s Core Suitability Modeling

Every community has land that could potentially support new investment. But how do you determine whether a site truly meets the demanding criteria of modern projects? The answer lies in data — and a rigorous approach that transforms speculation into certainty.

At Location Design Group, our Core Suitability Model Index is a critical part of the Strategic Sites Inventory (SSI) Program, helping communities discover and elevate sites that can compete on a national stage.

Turning Data Into Confidence

Many communities have sites they believe are suitable for development. However, traditional site assessments often fall short by relying on subjective judgments, incomplete data, or assumptions that fail to hold up under corporate scrutiny.

Our Core Suitability Model changes the game. It systematically measures and scores sites across a comprehensive set of factors, including:

• Infrastructure capacity (water, power, gas, wastewater)
• Transportation access (highways, rail, ports, airports)
• Environmental and geotechnical conditions
• Land ownership and control
• Proximity to workforce and key demographics
• Zoning and permitting feasibility

Each site is analyzed objectively, allowing communities to see exactly where a property excels—and where it may need investment or mitigation to become competitive.

Objectivity Matters

When communities approach site selectors or corporations, they’re often asked tough questions:

• Is the site truly ready to build?
• Are there costly barriers hidden in environmental reports?
• How does this site compare to others nationally?

Our Core Suitability Model provides clear, unbiased answers. It equips communities with credible data that builds trust with corporate decision-makers and demonstrates a commitment to transparency and readiness.

Elevating Sites—and Communities

Ultimately, the Core Suitability Model is about giving communities a competitive edge. It helps:

✅ Identify hidden gems among under-recognized properties.
✅ Prioritize investment into sites with the highest potential.
✅ Market properties confidently with data-driven credentials.
✅ Speed up decision-making for corporations seeking new locations.

At Location Design Group, we believe competitive communities deserve competitive sites. Our Core Suitability Model ensures that your sites—and your region—stand out where it matters most.