HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter from Chico Chamber 09.25.08 - 2030 Gen Plan OF F COMMER(F
September 25, 2008 '-77,-`,-
The Butte County Board of Supervisors
7 County Center Drive
Oroville, CA 95965
Dear Board of Supervisors Members,
The Chico Chamber of Commerce has been following the progress of the respective
City and County 2030 General Plan updates. These critically important documents
will guide land use decisions, promote or discourage planning, investment and job
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Office Address creation, strengthen or weaken governmental revenues and collectively shape the
physical, social, economic and community environment through 2030 and beyond.
This letter is to convey to the Board of Supervisors our strong belief that one of the
key opportunities for strengthening the community environment exists in Research
)iM 81�1 »50 and Business parks, and to encourage the Board to re-introduce areas considered
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appropriate for further consideration and analysis in the General Plan process.
The public dialogue surrounding the 2030 General Plan suggests there are common
misconceptions on the differences between traditional industrial development and the
type of investment, development,job and environmental and economic impact of
"Business and Research Parks".
Virtually every community is capable of planning, and accommodating traditional
industrial development, and doing so is fundamental to a healthy economy,
government and society. With respect to both City and County 2030 General Plan
processes, we continue to support the commitment by our elected officials to ensure
that an adequate supply of well located and properly served industrial land for base
level job creation exists in Chico and Butte County.
Far fewer communities however have the requisite recipe to attract the type of interest
and investment needed for successful Business and Research parks and facilities.
Butte County, and in particular Study Areas south of the Chico urban area provide
such an opportunity:
• A Nationally acclaimed University and Academic setting
• Large land tracts under single ownership, adjacent to urban areas and
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suitable for limited development A13T=fTN!�TR--MC)N
• Skilled labor and Underemployment SEP 2 9 2008
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Beyond traditional industrial development, today's Business and Research Park(s)
provide communities the opportunity to capitalize on the caliber of an educated and
underemployed work force, foster Academic and Industry collaboration, promote
incubation and entrepreneurship, and create innovative business climates which grow
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and retain local talent and intellect.
In their survey report entitled 21" Century Directions (October 2007), The
Association of Research Parks provides an overview of characteristics and trends in
Business and Research parks across the County.
0 Research Parks are emerging as strong, sources of entrepreneurship, talent
and economic competitiveness for regions, states and nations.
0 Research parks have become a key element in the infrastructure
supporting the growth of today's knowledge economy.
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Every job in a research park generates an average of 2.57 jobs in the
economy.
0 Research parks are viewed as an expression of local government's
commitment to economic development.
0 Research parks promote Clustering of technologies and industries, more
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likely targeted to niche areas (i.e. renewable energy).
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0 Research parks are design
placing greater emphasis on sustainability as a d
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and development principle.
0 64% of Research parks have one or more business incubators targeted to
serve the needs of University spin off's and other start Lip companies.
0 80% of Research parks help access State and other public programs and
capital.
0 Research parks have grown at a steady pace over the past three decades.
0 Between 2000 and 2003, over two thirds of Research parks were created
in suburban areas.
In terms of economic contribution, the 21" Century Report references a 2003 study of
the Iowa State University Research Park, linking to almost $88 Million in industrial
output, another$46 million in support and services, which combined with
employment and dollar multipliers, taxes and other factors translated to an overall
local economic impact of$1.34 Billion; All triggered by a park employing 900
people with an annual salary of$40,000
(http://www.isupai-k.orb/news/pol`eamomic_valuc_study.pol).
Business and University Research parks are clearly part of the infrastructure needed
to support today's knowledge economy. Butte County has the physical,
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environmental, business and technical resources to compete at the regional, national
and international level. If paired with hold vision and strong governmental
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leadership, we firmly believe the County's action now could create momentous
opportunities for current and future generations.
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The 2030 General Plan update process is intended to provide the County and the
public adequate opportunity to consider, at a broad level, the merits and potential
impacts of areas and land use designations Supporting Research and Business parks.
By prior action, all areas in the County which could have otherwise been properly
evaluated were summarily eliminated. In hindsight a decision we believe has far
,greater implications than full considered or understood at the time.
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We understand the need for any development to provide the full range of public
improvements necessary to support it and improve the community as a whole. In
addition, we understand and support the concept of fiscal sustainability and recognize
that there are many avenues available for new development to insure it does not
detract from and, in fact, adds to the County's fiscal health.
The Chico Chamber of Commerce also recognizes the challenges of meeting the
demands and interests of the many groups and individuals actively participating in the
General Plan 2030 update process. We appreciate both your commitment to this
process, and this opportunity to convey Our support to the Board for re-visiting and
includinc, the Study Area(s) immediately south of the Chico urban area in the update
process so that they can be properly analyzed and thoughtfully considered.
Respectfully,
Mark Sorensen
Chair of the Board
Chico Chamber of Commerce
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