Agenda - 08-25-2008- c2 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

,a~ `l'he ~ illage Prcjeet Comm~;nts on the (range t:c~u~~ty Con~prehe~~sive Plan Update Draft 2 We need to use the resources that are available to us today in a manner that protects them for future generations. Following is a summary of the key ideas presented in this Comprehensive Plan that relate directly to the goal of achieving a sustainable future. Refer to each of these Plan Elements for more details. 1.3.1. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT --- -~ . Following is a summary of the key ideas presented in this Comprehensive Plan that relate directly to the goal of achieving a sustainable future. 1.3.1 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Economic development, above all, must address the challenges of global warming and the rapidly diminishing availability of fossil fuels by initiating the transition to a "Post-carbon Economy" in which local COa emissions are reduced to levels that will support climate stability. Long-term economic vitality is best created by developing productive capacity from within. These efforts should result in an effective infrastructure for developing and supporting local enterprise and entrepreneurial efforts, including apprenticeship programs, entrepreneurship training, community-developed finance and investment organizations, and Local Living Economy support networks. Research shows local enterprises create a higher multiplier effect, generate more local revenues, cost less in terms of governmental services and incentives, reduce carbon emissions, and provide stable employment with better wages and benefits. All of these are lost when development offices recruit large-scale, non-local, non- integrated, and cost-externalizing companies that undermine local enterprise initiatives. Considering current social, economic and Page 2 June 6, 2008