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Focus Area 2. Economy <br />GOAL 1: Support a Diverse Economy tba t Meets <br />Local Needs <br />Backiround /Rationale <br />Orange County has a very strong economy due in large part to the county's location in the <br />Triangle area and to the presence of UNC in Chapel Hill. Though the economy is strong, in some <br />quarters Orange County has a reputation as being anti - business, largely due to lengthy <br />development review processes and regulations on the careful location of non - residential <br />development. <br />While these processes and regulations accomplish many laudable goals in limiting sprawl and <br />protecting neighborhood and rural character, they may also have created an undesired and <br />unintended effect of driving out local businesses. There are ways to accomplish both important <br />goals. The anti - business image needs to be shed and replaced with a new image and strategy for <br />economic development for active, yet selective economic development that meets local needs <br />and is in line with our sustainability goals. <br />Business diversity, having a balanced mix of larger commercial /industrial operations and <br />numerous, small businesses/ micro - enterprises, is important to maintaining a healthy economy. <br />We should build on current strengths such as the presence of UNC -CH and UNC Hospitals, and <br />make farming a significant part of the economic development program of the county. There is <br />strong community support for agriculture in Orange County, and preserving agriculture and <br />promoting markets for local products will support our local economy and preserve farmland. <br />Businesses should be selectively recruited to three target areas identified by the Task Force: <br />• Appropriate locations in each of the four towns; <br />• The Economic Development Districts; <br />• A new economic node in northern Orange <br />Through economic development that focuses on creating a j ob base with j obs that pay a living <br />wage and providing training for such opportunities, we can decrease the disparity between <br />wealthy and poor in the county. <br />Business opportunities should be meshed with skills development training. Durham Tech offers <br />some community college classes in the county and the new Skills Development Center has <br />started to provide job placement and some skills training. These services, however, are in need <br />of expansion to adequately serve Orange County's population. Further skills training and <br />vocational programs are needed in the county in order to increase individual wage potentials, <br />abilities and employability. <br />mej <br />