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- 053 <br /> setting strategies) will undoubtedly be a lengthy one, which <br /> will occur when the county develops its economic development <br /> plan. The present study, however, can begin the process by <br /> presenting a framework for arriving at objectives and <br /> sketching out scenarios that would result from some of the <br /> alternative objectives. The scenarios will be useful to the <br /> EDC in educating the public about what economic development <br /> can mean for the county, and will also be helpful in <br /> focusing the research in Section 3 of this study. <br /> The Resolution of December 1982 which created the EDC <br /> cites three "problems of economic development in Orange <br /> County, " which could be restated as goals: reduce <br /> underemployment, strengthen the tax base, and improve the <br /> geographic distribution of job opportunities. " The <br /> Resolution also lists four factors to consider in defining <br /> types of development that will best serve the public <br /> interest: rate, type, location, and balance. These <br /> considerations can help generate economic development <br /> objectives, by asking, for instance: <br /> * What balance should be sought between start-ups. <br /> expansions, and recruited firms? How many of each <br /> would the county like to see, and how soon? <br /> * What sectors of the economy would the county <br /> like to see expanded -- manufacturing, retail, <br /> wholesale, services, agriculture, etc. . CAn objective <br /> might be "to increase retail sales in the county so the <br /> ratio of sales:population equals the state average" ] <br /> * What mix of small , medium, and large businesses <br /> is seen as most desirable? <br /> * What types of jobs are needed, in terms of <br /> skills, occupations, and wage level? [Objectives might <br /> be "to create jobs for displaced textile workers in <br /> Northern Orange, " or "to create entry level jobs with <br /> opportunities for advancement for the county ' s high <br /> school and college graduates. " ] <br /> * In which areas of the county is development most <br /> needed? What kinds of development are best suited to <br /> different areas of the county? <br /> We will prepare a discussion paper proposing an <br /> operational definition of economic development. The paper <br /> will begin with the three goals (and any others suggested by <br /> the EDC) , and will present a list of possible objectives <br /> that address those goals. It will then sketch out what <br /> kinds of economic development would meet each objective -- <br /> e. g. neighborhood or regional shopping center's, office <br /> complexes, large or small manufacturing plants, new business <br /> start-ups, etc. Each scenario will have specific <br />