Laserfiche WebLink
• interviews and phone calls, strategic partners to the City and members of the <br /> community at large who provided input via the survey process. <br /> Introduction <br /> Community and government leaders across the nation have come to realize <br /> their actions can change, alter, and direct the condition of their local <br /> economy. The economic quality of life of the residents and the success of <br /> businesses many times are directly influenced by the policies and leadership <br /> of those who have the influence and power to create a climate conducive to <br /> economic growth. Those who chose to shape their future; can. Those who <br /> chose to avoid their future often find it shaped by forces outside of their <br /> control. Change is bound to happen. The choice to be made is whether the <br /> change will be shaped by the community or by forces beyond its control. A <br /> strong economy provides benefits to all who experience it while a weak <br /> • economy puts businesses and residents at risk to the economic effects of <br /> external forces. Economic development strategies are developed by <br /> communities who chose to shape their own future. <br /> In areas with strong economies, local governments do not struggle to fund <br /> essential services and are usually able to provide expanded programs <br /> benefiting all that reside in the area. In such areas, schools are strong, <br /> streets safe and clean, park and recreation programs abundant, and the need <br /> to provide social welfare programs for impoverished citizens is reduced. <br /> Citizens living in an area with a strong economy enjoy consistent <br /> employment, regular wage gains, opportunities for personal advancement, <br /> and are able to reliably save for and invest in their future. Businesses are <br /> able to plan for consistent expansion, hire full-time employees for the long <br /> term, and are willing to risk significant capital, investing in their operations. <br /> Communities grow closer, tight-knit; as young men and women, after <br /> • <br /> Strategic Plan for Economic Development Page 3 of 25 <br /> Final Draft— Ready for Release Subject to Council Approval and Adoption <br />