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BUILDING UPON PAST EFFORTS — CREATING A FUTURE FOCUS <br />A County -wide task force developed a Five Year Strategic Plan (2005 -2010) after a <br />collaborative involvement of residents. The Plan was endorsed by the County <br />Commission, the Carrboro Board of Aldermen, the Chapel Hill Town Board, the <br />Hillsborough Town Board, the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce and <br />the Chapel Hill/Carrboro Chamber of Commerce. <br />Staff changes within county government, a national economic decline and funding <br />constraints have delayed or deferred efforts to pursue the goals the Plan established. The <br />commitments and observations still have relevance and are worth pursuit: <br />Improved Local Business Climate <br />1. Develop clear criteria defining desirable businesses — including agricultural <br />options <br />2. Identify barriers <br />3. Provide outreach, recognition and expedited service to new and expanding local <br />businesses to meet development criteria <br />4. Form partnerships to create a stronger business climate and market changes to <br />existing and potential employers <br />5. Focus public education efforts on sustainability, social, economic and <br />environmental contribution of businesses <br />Infrastructure Investment to Increase Commercial Tax Base by Retaining and <br />Attracting Targeted Businesses <br />1. Extend water and sewer to the economic development zones <br />2. Facilitate the establishment adequate high speed information networks <br />3. Support Carolina North <br />4. Provide constructive input into the UDO <br />5. Encourage compact higher density development in areas with water and sewer <br />6. Encourage mixed use development <br />7. Promote public transportation. <br />8. Support Schools APFO <br />Work Force Development <br />1. Work closely with Durham Tech, LTNC, local school systems and others to <br />provide training options for adults seeking employment. <br />2. Link desired business market segments with training programs. <br />3. Promote a living wage and benefits philosophy within economic development <br />programs. <br />4. Consider the importance of workforce needs such as transportation, childcare, <br />eldercare, healthcare and affordable housing. <br />5. Support lifelong learning and retraining opportunities. <br />21 <br />