Looking ahead to a new year can be treacherous for predictions. For the most part, guesses go wrong.

Major events happen without a moments notice, new developments pop up in old stories and secret plans are revealed.

For 2016, however, there’s one prediction that’s nearly certain to come true — notable economic development.

For decades, we’ve heard public officials talk about growth. Jobs here. Jobs there. Economic development is an essential part of the political lexicon.

Economic growth is undeniable at Rowan’s southern border. It’s happened locally, but not nearly at the same rate.

In 2016, we’re sure to see the beginnings of two major infrastructure projects and at least a few significant business announcements.

Rowan County commissioners seem to be leading the charge on economic development. Municipalities have tried and succeeded at varying rates. In some instances, Rowan’s cities look at what commissioners are doing and imitate their actions.

At arm’s length, the county’s plans seem broader and more significant than what any other elected officials are planning.

Water and sewer tops the list of future projects. Years ago, Rowan County voted down county-wide water and sewer. This time commissioners are trying a different route. Their plans include extending water and sewer lines strictly for economic development. Residential water and sewer, though, isn’t necessarily excluded. It’s hard to believe the county would intentionally deny a residential developer access to water and sewer in rural Rowan.

Commissioners have also put a focus on the Rowan County Airport as a location for future growth. The airport is growing methodically, but the scope of potential aviation-based businesses  is limited.

A final, and significant, project is a commitment by commissioners to invest in speculatory buildings —essentially generic, empty structures with a wide breadth of tenants in mind.

Rowan County has enough vacant buildings suitable for industry. But exact measurements may not match up with today’s standards. Speculatory buildings provide new construction to lure business to town.

If all three projects — water and sewer, the airport and speculatory buildings — come to fruition, it’s likely we’ll see significant economic growth, or at least construction in 2016.