The public was invited to a Vision Forum held in November 2002 and two public open houses. Participants were engaged in discussions about community opportunities, challenges, and goals.
A series of one-on-one interviews was also held with community business leaders and area economic development professionals to gain their perspectives on the current and future directions of the area's economy and to offer insights for effective public sector actions.
The following list of goals and objectives summarize the results of the community's input:
Goal #1: Diversify the tax base to relieve property tax burdens and to provide more local shopping and employmeny opportunities.
Objectives:
- Plan and develop a new "upscale" business park.
- Provide the supporting infrastructure for economic development in the appropriate locations.
- Target high quality/high wage businesses that use new technologies.
- Capture more local disposable income to re-circulate local wealth.
- Create synergies between local businesses through effective site planning and targeted business recruitment.
Goal #2: Establish a memorable community image that builds on the City's small town atmosphere and natural amenities.
Objectives:
- Create a stronger visual image for downtown and expand its range of activities.
- Develop and enforce quality design standards for all new development.
- Preserve natural features and rural character - integrate new development in a sensitive manner.
- Create and implement corridor and special district plans/guidelines.
- Clean up unkempt areas through direct public intervention.
- Concentrate commercial development in a few well-defined nodes or districts. Prevent 'strip' development.
Goal #3: Improve the overall 'climate' for economic development through public outreach, business development programming, and through the actions and behaviors of city representatives.
Objectives:
- Develop incentive and promotional programs tailored to desired types of business.
- Improve business retention efforts.
- Encourage public involvement and education on economic development issues.
Goal #4: Protect and improve the quality of life by balancing sound fiscal and environmental management.
Objectives:
- Protect natural features and scenic beauty.
- Develop new business park that reflects high design and environmental standards.
- Maximize return on public investment by locating new business in areas already well served with public services.
- Promote quality of life as a business attraction strategy.