HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter from Chico Chamber of Commerce 02.10.09 213
E30ARD OF SUPERVISORS
FEB 13 2009 ,
OROVILLE,CALIFORMA ji er
OCOMMERCE
February 10, 2009
Mr. Bill Connelly, Chairman
Butte County Board of Supervisors
25 County Center Drive
Oroville, California 95965
Subject: General Plan 2030—Draft Economic Development Policy
Office Address Chairman Connelly:
300 Salem Street
Chico,CA 95928 The Chico Chamber of Commerce appreciates the time and effort that has gone
into preparation of the Economic Development policy alternatives for the 2030
(800)852-8570 County General Plan update.
(530)891-5556 The 2030 General Plan will establish the framework for economic development
FAX 891-3613 planning, defining the process by which government and the community
organizes, analyzes,plans and pursues the tasks of improving the economic well-
being and quality of life for those in the community.
We are confident that the Board of Supervisors recognizes the importance of the
proactive and potent economic policies needed to maintain current economic
drivers,capitalize on new technologies and attract new investment to create and
sustain employment opportunities for current and future residents of Butte
County.
The Chamber has reviewed both the County's draft policy document(specifically
questions 21, 22 and 23) as well as several similar documents from other
communities in Northern California.
As a general observation the directive from the County's draft policy seems to
suggest that the County's primary role in economic development is "strategy
creation", i.e.
21.a Create,a countywide Economic Development Strategy...
22.m. Create a countywide Tourism Development Strategy..
23.h Create a countywide strategy to support manufacturing and
commercial...
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OF COMMERCE
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While strategy is certainly important, we believe additional directly focused
policies are required to effectively chart a course for sustained economic growth
in Butte County.
On a broad level, the Chamber believes that additional General Plan focus should
(a) better define the public interest in economic development; (b) more fully
describe the role of County government in economic development; and (c) outline
policies to be considered by County staff, Boards and Commissions in their
analysis and decision making with respect to economic development.
Office Address
300 Salem street We plan to offer detailed recommendations during the public hearings, including
Chico,CA.95928 elements used by other communities as well as policies which respond to the
competitive advantages of Butte County.
(800) 852-8570
(530) 891-5556 Thank you for your r consideration.
FAX 891-3613
Respectfully,
olene FraIcsi
President CEO
Chico Chamber of Commerce