2014.04.08 EDA Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Strategic Plan provides a realistic and pia d&i ' road map for the County. It guides the county leaders and allows them to focus on the most important economic development priorities. Furthermore it directs staff time and financial commitments to those activities that support the County's mission, vision, and goals. Ultimately when the plan is underway and the County has a solid foundation, it will improve accountability and the capacity to measure performance and outcomes. Economic Development Strategies Strategies are essential public policy priorities that precede goals and action steps. Typically they are long-term in nature and are fairly constant in their intent and pursuit. The optimal way to introduce strategies is through the eight functional economic development categories that emerged from the stakeholder input process. The eight categories reflect the marketplace of opportunity for the County and general consensus is to use these designations as the foundation for the strategies. The strategies are not ranked in order of importance. Each strategy is followed by one to four goals. Goals are a measurable and desired activity, project or purpose that requires resources (time and/or money). Action steps are individual steps and activities necessary to implement a goal, accomplish a strategy, operationalize the mission and fulfill the vision. Specific action steps are continuously evolving and changing as they are completed. The role of local government in economic development must be viewed in both a short and long term perspective. In this, Washington County's first economic development strategic plan, the focus is on short-term actions that support and sustain a long-term investment. As the County's role becomes more secure and established the goals and actions steps will evolve and change. The goals are focused on a one -three year timeframe. This does not prohibit or discourage the County from making changes and adjustments throughout the year. 1. Washington County is responsible for many core functions that contribute to a premier quality of life that is important to business growth; economic development resources and investments will advance and support the high standard of living in the County. 2. Washington County recognizes that economic development requires a strong infrastructure foundation built on multi -modal transportation networks and access to high-speed broad band networks. 3. Washington County uses economic development financial incentives in a fiscally prudent manner. 4. Washington County realizes that success in economic development is only achieved through a collaborative and inclusive process. 5. Washington County understands that other county -based services impact economic development goals and economic growth. 6. Washington County provides leadership and initiative to shape regional and state-wide policies to support county -wide economic development goals. I For additional information and details on each strategy please read the December 12, 2013 and January 28, 2014 County Board documents. 6