[BrianAtlanta]

I would break the needs in to a few categories (not in priority order)...

TLDR:
1. Mentors
2. Location
3. Minor League system (ie Middle/Elementary schools doing robotics)


Mentors

A good program has mentors that have been around for a while, and understand FRC's challenges. This will allow them to better guide/nudge the students. There are several skills that are needed, so you need mentors with CAD, design, project management and programming. If the only mentors are parents, then every 2-3 years you have turn over and your skill coverage will be spotty depending on the type of jobs in the area.

Location

In know of teams that build in class rooms and build in a proper shop. A place large enough the build and drive is important. You don't have to have a full field, but something large enough simulate some of the key tasks. As for the "shop", I know at home it's a pain to have to go to the basement to get some tools, and to the garage to cut some wood. So a proper build space is nice.

District Support (ie the Minor League System)

When students are doing robotics challenges in elementary and middle school, they come in understanding some of the more simpler problems that they have to solve. They are more likely to have a knowledge of shooter, lifts and intakes from experience in VEX or FTC. FLL, they learn that without sensing their environment (line following, color sensors, etc) they can't drive reliably. Principals can encourage teachers to become mentors, too

So, there's my top 3.

Brian