Agenda Packets - 1983/10/24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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o A stable, diversified metropolitan economy strong enough to support the other goals ir, the Area. o Economic development that provides the necessary jobs for the expected population. Estimates indicate a need to add 272,000 jobs between 1974 and 1990 if current employment patterns continue. o Opportunities for economic mobility for all metropolitan residents. o A strong agricultural economy in the rural area. The Economic Technical Advisory Council (ETAC) reviewed these goals and generally agreed with them, with some minor wording changes. They also felt strongly that entrepreneurship is an important element in maintaining a healthy economy and that the Council should have some kind of entrepreneurial goal. The proposed revised goals are presented in the main text and are listed here as well. Proposed Economic Goals To have a Region with the following characteristics in 2000: o Economic development that keeps pace with growth in the labor force and enhances the Region-s standard of living --measured by growth in jobs, income per household and tax base. o High rankings nationally in education and income, and low rankings in . unemployment rates and number of persons below poverty level. o A range of economic opportunities for persons of all ages, income, training and educational background in the Region. o A diverse metropolitan economy strong enough to support high quality in public services and the accomplishment of MDF goals for the Region. o A regional economic development climate that encourages business development and entrepreneurial activities. o A strong agricultural economy in the rural area. POLICIES DISCUSSION In the past, the Metropolitan Council has reviewed plans and projects according to policies related to the protection and efficient utilization of the four metropolitan systems (air transportation, surface transportation, parks and open space and sewers), iocational factors associated with urban versus rural service areas, and the preservation of the natural environment. For the most part, economic development impacts have not been considered in this equation. How are economic growth and development issues explicity taken into consider- ation in the Council's current MDF policies? One goal and a number of policies express concerns for maintaining a healthy regional economy, but explicit steps are not taken to make that happen, nor are regional priorities given to economic growth. Housing, the environment and 26