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Vision: <br />To ensure that programs and services support and complement economic development <br />programs initiated by cities, townships and the county. <br />Mission: <br />To provide financial and technical assistance to businesses and communities as <br />requested to enhance economic development, expand the tax base and promote job <br />creation opportunities in Washington County. <br />Goals: <br />1. Promote and market the quality of life, rich diversity and assets of the county. <br />2. Provide resources to help entrepreneurs get started and existing businesses grow. <br />3. Be a value-added partner to other public and private entities. <br />4. Find ways to help our businesses attract and retain talent and find ways to keep our <br />working residents here in the county. <br />5. Promote strong infrastructure, multi -modal transportation and highspeed <br />broadband. <br />Planning Process: <br />On May 6, 2014, the Washington County Board of Commissioners approved the <br />Washington County Economic Development Strategic Plan. Within the Economic <br />Development Strategic Plan, a number of goals were identified. Many of these goals <br />have since been completed, including: <br />Analyzed various organizational structures to implement economic development <br />initiatives on behalf of the county. In June of 2016, the Washington County <br />Board of Commissioners approved the creation of the Washington County <br />Community Development Agency (CDA) as recently authorized by the Minnesota <br />State Legislature. <br />Designated a county staff member to be the point of contact for economic <br />development and implementation of the strategic plan. In June of 2016, the <br />Washington County CDA hired a full time Economic Development Director to <br />serve as the point of contact and coordinate the economic development efforts <br />within the county including updating and implementing the 2014 Strategic Plan. <br />Updated existing financial incentive policies including tax increment financing and <br />tax abatement. <br />The purpose of this document is to serve as an update to the 2014 Economic <br />Development Strategic Plan with a planning horizon through 2019. A working group of <br />township officials, city administrators, school district representatives, and economic <br />