Memorandum
Date: July 18, 2023
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Benjamin Rickelman, Deputy County Administrative Officer
Subject: Presentation and consideration of the economic development work plan
Executive Summary:
The economic development work plan is structured into four focus areas: funding opportunities, communications, business development, and place-based economic development. This plan has been informed by conversations with the local business community, community leaders, economic development professionals, and government officials the last three months. Focus areas are driven by feasibility, impact, and scope throughout Lake County.
Two large infrastructure investments planned for Lake County, the buildout of broadband infrastructure and EV chargers along State Routes 20 and 29, could have a transformative effect on the local economy. The County of Lake is planning to collaborate with internet service providers, tribal nations, and local businesses to maximize these investments. The County also plans to participate in the Economic Development Administration’s Recompete Pilot Program, the Community Economic Resilience Fund initiative, and support the development of a new Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.
Another area of focus is developing informative, well-designed, digital, and physical materials to assist in starting and growing a business in Lake County. This package of business resources would be concentrated on an online platform, which would include why to locate or expand a business in Lake County, guides on the permitting and zoning process, highlights of local industries, quality of life, a statistical summary, financing options, incentives at the state and federal level, and connections with business development organizations.
Based on conversations with several industries and community members, attracting more hotels and event space has been identified as a priority. Marketing collateral will be developed that demonstrates the demand both from local business and tourism. Other strategies that may be employed are a RFI issued to initiate conversations with potential investors and travel to larger metros and conferences to pitch Lake County for hotel and even space development.
A key component of the work plan is to utilize a portion of the CDBG economic development set-aside for a façade improvement program, code enforcement, and signage. Coordinated action and support for commercial corridors is critical for a virtuous cycle for communities throughout Lake County. Small businesses with a welcoming presence attracts further investment and patronage. In conjunction updating and expanding the County’s welcome signage in high-traffic corridors is a place-based strategy the County is exploring. Overall, the work plan is designed to address key needs in the community with strategies that are achievable and deliver considerable impact. The estimated cost of the economic development work plan is $40,000 and there is sufficient funds appropriated in budget unit 1892 marketing and economic development.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: $40,000Amount Budgeted: $40,000Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☒ Not applicable
☐ Fully Article X. <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI>- and/or Consultant Selection Policy <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Policy/Policies+$!26+Procedures+Manual/Ch4_2021v2.pdf>-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”)
☐ Section 2-38 <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI> Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
☐ For Technology Purchases: Vetted and Supported by the Technology Governance Committee <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Intranet+Forms/Information+Technology/AdvPlan.pdf> (“Yes,” if checked)
☐ Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
Consistency with Vision 2028 <http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/Administration/Visioning/Vision2028.htm> (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☒ Well-being of Residents ☐ Public Safety ☐ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
☒ Economic Development ☒ Infrastructure ☐ County Workforce
☒ Community Collaboration ☐ Business Process Efficiency ☐ Clear Lake
Recommended Action: Consideration and possible direction from Board of Supervisors.