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development professionals was convened by the CDA in August 2016 and has been <br />meeting monthly to assist in preparing the elements of this update, with a goal of <br />producing a draft for public review, which will ultimately be adopted by the Washington <br />County CDA Board and the County Board. <br />Values: <br />The foundation of the Washington County Economic Development Plan is the policy and <br />guiding principles that drive the economic development goals, strategies and actions of <br />the County. The following policy statement and guiding principles define the County's <br />economic development efforts. These guiding principles are relevant for the present <br />economic environment and are subject to review and change on a periodic basis. <br />Economic Development Policy Statement: <br />It is the policy of the Washington County Board of Commissioners to increase the <br />County's role and support of economic development within the County. The County will <br />invest staff time and financial resources in a planned, coordinated and strategic manner <br />and will engage in a collaborative and holistic approach to economic development. The <br />County's policies and actions will be guided by the following principles. <br />Economic Development Guiding Principles: <br />The following principles are not in rank order of importance <br />The private sector is the lead that drives the economy <br />o The County will work in partnership with the private sector <br />• The County will not duplicate or replace the work of cities and other public <br />agencies <br />o The County will work in collaboration with cities and public agencies and will <br />provide leadership where the County can make the most difference when <br />asked <br />• The County supports a strong collaborative approach to economic <br />development <br />o No matter the location, economic development is a benefit to the entire <br />county <br />o Support efforts to ensure a highly skilled workforce and adequate workforce <br />housing <br />• Business attraction and business retention are essential policy objectives <br />o A balanced approach to pursue each of the two policy areas is required <br />• The diversity of the County requires an adaptable and open-minded approach <br />o The distinctive qualities of the County require flexibility <br />3 <br />