AgdaPkt 2006-10-09 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

9B Page 18 Current Economic Development Pro�ram The assessment repart also reviewed khe city's current economic development program. The City has hired its first full-time economic development manager in 1996 to assist in the attraction, rekention, anc� expansion o#. businesses. Notable objectives include the on-going assistance with auto dealerships and major retailers, downtown revitalization, and partnerships with the real estate brokers and business community. Although more redevelopment in scope and implementation, the economic development program has served the city's economic development interests well. T'hat level of effort may be sufficient as long as the cit�s competitive advantages remain strong but there is no guarantee. The greater toss is one that is an opportunity cost. Without a full-time,citywide economic development eff.ort,the city is not able to fully leverage its competitive advantages and actualize opportunities svch as a proactive outreach effort to emerging industries such as biotech and use its existing partnerships with businesses for the benefit of workforce development. Priorit�Challen�es and Recommendations Responses received through 1} interviews, 2) focus groups, 3) web based surveys, 4) findings from research €ox the asset map, and 5)emnomic base analysis ctustered around five priority challenges that form the basis for the recoxnmendations in the implementation plan. The priority challenges are: t 7fie changing image of the city ■ $roadening the focus of econonnic development beyond the downtown � Transportation and other infrastruciure improvements ■ The need for affordable housing = Expanding workforce development efforrs One recommendation in the implementation plan, above all others, will make a significant difference in the cit�s ability to Yake advantage of opportunities that can have a positive impact on its economic vitality: the city should establish a comprehensive citywide economic development program whose staff have the resources,funding and time to iznplement it. Without a comprehensive economic deveiopment program,the city is less able to address constraints to achieving its economic development goals such as ensuring there is new talent to replace an aging workforce; preparing for another economic downturn; responding to the concern and resistance of some residents to growth and infi.11 development;and finding new major retail users to ensure the city's retaiI base is diverse. . . _ _ _ . . ___ _ .