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I1 <br />Workgroup on Quality of Place <br />Overall Strategy: By June 2009, Orange County will have thriving partnerships among <br />government, business, the not -for profit sector, UNC, and congregations ensuring that the <br />county is a great place in which to live and work, attracting and retaining the "creative <br />community" of innovators, artists and civic leaders that will drive the desired economy. <br />Why the strategy is critical: Stated simply, place matters. As Mary Jo Waits pointed out in her <br />presentation at the 2004 Economic Development Summit: <br />• The natural environment is important <br />• But natural features aren't enough — urban amenities are required as well <br />• Lifestyle choice matters <br />• Being a smart, innovative place matters <br />• Intangibles such as "hipness," tolerance, entrepreneurial culture are part of the <br />calculation <br />"The creative heart and soul of the economy will continue to be tied to place" <br />Key Sub - Elements and Action Steps: <br />A. Enhance urban character by connecting and supporting existing plans for <br />increasing the commercial tax base and for revitalizing the downtown areas of <br />Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. <br />1) Promote eclectic mix of vibrant businesses in downtown. <br />2) Work to include public spaces, art, and parks during the construction of public <br />facilities and in approval of large development /redevelopment projects (e.g. <br />public arts projects at Homestead Aquatics Center and Southern Community <br />Park, also Southern Human Services Center). <br />3) Target incentives to businesses that enhance quality of place (e.g. arts and <br />entertainment) and encourage towns to do likewise <br />4) Connect existing neighborhoods and commercial districts with sidewalks and/or <br />bike paths <br />5) Update County bike plan to accommodate recreational usage <br />6) Encourage mixed use development that includes neighborhood retail shops <br />7) Work with local organizations to provide forams for public input on issues such <br />as parks and open space <br />B. Enhance rural character by supporting local agriculture through efforts such as <br />making farming more profitable by encouraging local markets and supporting <br />complementary conservation and management tools. <br />1) Revise zoning regulations to encourage value -added agricultural businesses <br />2) Support farmers markets in multiple locations near population or employment <br />centers <br />3) Promote agritourism <br />4) Support regional value -added processing facility(ies) <br />5) Expand funding for conservation easements, purchase of development rights <br />C. Enhance historic character by supporting organizations' efforts to preserve and <br />promote historic structures. <br />1) Support and promote historic preservation and heritage tourism <br />16 <br />