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Staff Update/Status <br /> 1. Economic Development Update provided by Steve Brantley: <br /> a. Annually, 15,000 communities compete for approximately 1500 economic development <br /> projects and you are lucky if you get a share. Orange County with its many attributes, <br /> should appeal to potential businesses. Orange County development promotes tourism, arts <br /> and agriculture. He said they are now getting multiple projects visiting Orange County. <br /> Companies are looking at us and eliminating other sites because we now have zoning and <br /> water and sewer. What we lack is the availability of empty facilities to promote to potential <br /> investors. <br /> b. The County has partnered with Chapel Hill with an incubator; and with Carrboro on a water <br /> line. <br /> c. In our Small Business Loan Program there are eight (8) outstanding loans and we have <br /> never had any defaults. <br /> 2. Staff pursuing economic incentives, of minimal exposure to taxpayers because they are tied to <br /> future revenues for these companies so there is no risk to Orange County. <br /> Dliiscussliion Nighlllliiglhts <br /> In addition to the current economic development strategies, the Commissioners discussed <br /> potential placed based economic development approaches that build on the local assets. Their <br /> ideas included: <br /> Agricultural Strategies <br /> 1. Food is a large economic engine in Orange County, so we should explore development of an <br /> Agriculture Support Enterprises Plan to determine what can be done in rural Orange County <br /> that preserves the rural character. (i.e. agri-tourism, value added agriculture production, etc.) <br /> 2. It was noted that restrictions on value added agriculture is a barrier to development in this area <br /> and that the vast amount of agriculture in Orange County is commercial. The County could <br /> focus on recruitment of businesses that support commercial agriculture. <br /> 3. Sponsor small agricultural shows to give visibility to youth farmers and promote agriculture. <br /> 4. It will be important to identify compatible uses adjacent to Ag Development because of the <br /> impact of noise, light, and traffic. <br /> County Fair <br /> 1. Sponsoring a County Fair would provide an opportunity to highlight local art and agriculture; <br /> bring together rural and urban residents in Orange County and the surrounding area; highlight <br /> Lands Legacy Program work and can serve as an economic development tool. There was a <br /> question about whether a Fair would stimulate economic development. <br /> 2. Staff with input from Commissioners will assess feasibility of a County Fair. (see more details <br /> below, under Requests of Staff) <br /> 3. If the idea is feasible, a larger group will be established that will involve Staff, Commissioners <br /> and Community Representatives. <br /> Economic Development Infrastructure Enhancements <br /> 1. Explore potential of creating Economic Development Districts <br /> 2. Digital infrastructure is as important as water and sewer for economic development <br /> Arts We need to identify what economic opportunities are related to local Arts like promoting studio <br /> tours. <br /> UNC-Chapel Hill Partnership- Explore potential economic opportunities that could be derived <br /> from partnering with UNC- Chapel Hill. <br />