The goals and objectives of the region in development range from short and long term community priorities. The statements are designed to assist the region in solving the challenges that exist in the area. Objectives were developed to prioritize goals that are measureable and time sensitive.
The development of the goals and objective of the area were established by reviewing a regional analysis and involving a group of community advocates that formed the CEDS Committee. The analysis revealed several challenges that included high unemployment rates, low per capita income, and unskilled and less competitive workforce.
Other issues shown in the analysis were infrastructure issues, financial barriers, and external forces impacting the area. The information from the analysis was obtained from the United States Census Bureau and other resources of pertinent information. The analysis and CEDS Committee helped with the development of the goals and objectives for the region.
GOAL 1 – WORKFORCE DEVELOPOMENT/EDUCATION
Improve the skills of the local labor force thorough high quality training and education opportunities.
OBJECTIVES
- Determine the role of education and training with the needs of local businesses and industries
- Coordinate the role of education and training with the needs of local businesses and industries
- Provide technical assistance to the workforce
- Support workforce development training programs and education programs
- Create strategic plans for workforce training and education
- Promote educational partnerships and new approaches to learning that will benefit K-12 students
- Generate community awareness of and community participation in training and education programs available in the region
GOAL 2 – QUALITY OF LIFE
Make the region more attractive for economic development by improving the regional quality of life and access to community resources in the seven-county region.
OBJECTIVES
- Assist local governments in obtaining state and federal funds for recreational expansion and improvements in the region
- Foster housing opportunities for low and moderate-income families through local governments
- Research funding opportunities for multipurpose facilities and community centers
- Aid in developing and implementing zoning ordinances and comprehensive planning efforts
- Implement safe and healthy community programs
- Improve access to health care facilities
GOAL 3 – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Encourage economic strength and diversity through the development of small and entrepreneurial businesses, retaining and expanding local businesses, recruiting appropriate business and industries to the region.
OBJECTIVES
- Advocate small and entrepreneurial businesses
- Create retention programs for existing businesses
- Recruit appropriate businesses and industries to the region
- Pursue funding to develop strategic projects
- Work with downtown revitalizations
- Coordinate financial and other business development resources
GOAL 4 – INFRASTRUCTURE
Upgrade the condition and capacity of the regions infrastructure systems to make the region more competitive for economic development.
OBJECTIVES
- Make existing industrial parks regionally marketable
- Develop the seven-county region’s transportation system
- Assist communities and employers with federal, state, and local technical/financial assistance
- Seek funds to upgrade water, sewer, and storm drainage systems
- Support the expansion of the region’s telecommunications infrastructure
- Generate a needs assessment for communities and assist with helping pursue funding for those needs
- Pursue funding to develop strategic projects
GOAL 5 – GOVERNMENT & FINANCE
Encourage and improve cooperation between county and municipal governments for greater efficiency in the management of personnel, finances and local government programs and services.
OBJECTIVES
- Continue to recognize the importance of planning for all communities, including but not limited to land-use, transportation, infrastructure, environmental training
- Improve communication between local governments
- Pursue development of uniform regulations for zoning, building codes, and subdivision regulations for municipal and county government within the region
- Strive for a Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Plan based on individual municipal comprehensive plans
- Provide leadership training and development opportunities to local elected officials and appropriate staff
