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<br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />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 /> <br />Introduction <br /> <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 /> <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 Drafl- Readv for Release Subject to Council Approval and Adoption <br />