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 b...
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