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Quality of Place <br />1. Increase the commercial tax base and support the revitalization of downtowns in <br />Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. <br />2. Support rural agriculture and encourage local markets along with conservation of <br />natural resources. <br />3. Preserve and promote historic structures and resources. <br />4. Provide life long learning options. <br />5. Promote inclusiveness and diversity. <br />6. Promote `hipness' by focusing on the uniqueness of each municipality and the <br />County as a whole. <br />Summary: <br />The goals established of creating 5,000 new private sector jobs and adding <br />$125,000,000 in new commercial property to County tax roles by 2010 were not fully <br />achieved. HOWEVER and more importantly, the basic parameters and goals as <br />outlined above still have relevance and appear a sound basis for moving forward. <br />The allocation of resources and establishment of priorities (every priority can not be <br />number one) remains to be addressed in a comprehensive manner. <br />Failure of the local option % cent sales and use tax last November was a set back. <br />The County (County Commissioners) must address how revenues and staff <br />resources will be allocated as we pursue outcomes associated with these efforts. <br />Economic development is NOT a quick fix effort. Today is the foundation for the <br />future. Building utility and communication infrastructure for future business <br />ventures; investing in appropriate workforce training opportunities; establishing an <br />"open- for - business" image; and seeing a return on those investments is a forever <br />process. <br />Elements beyond the County's control (general economic conditions, shifts in <br />business trends, changing business markets, etc.) will influence the timing and <br />intervals of success. If we remain committed, short -term hurdles will not impede <br />long -term outcomes. <br />22 <br />