Orange County NC Website
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The economic development market is controlled by supply and demand, and businesses and site selection <br />specialists understand that there are more prime locations than there are economic development <br />opportunities. As a result, jurisdictions that do not meet key site selection criteria will not be considered. <br />Orange County has been in this position for the past two decades and will continue to be passed by until it <br />develops market -ready product and provides market- competitive tools at the disposal of its economic <br />development professional staff. Moreover, Orange County's policies will continue to be out-of-step with <br />surrounding jurisdictions until it begins to systematically acquire decision - support data and adopt data - <br />driven strategies. Rather than repeat past piecemeal fixes, we recommend a strategic, programmatic <br />approach that incorporates physical infrastructure development, regulatory streamlining and <br />simplification, regional collaboration, expanded small business loan programs, fully funded business <br />retention and recruitment funds, paid research, data - driven economic development strategic planning, <br />market development, and branding —in this order. Together, these elements provide a strong foundation <br />for short-, mid -, and long -term County fiscal health and well- being. <br />zit Page <br />