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College Place consultants present draft framework for economic development strategy
Summary
Consultant Paul Saldanha briefed the Economic Development, Tourism and Events Commission on a draft Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) framework, outlining a vision, five foundational goals and a timeline to produce a 70% administrative draft for commission and city review.
Consultant Paul Saldanha told the Economic Development, Tourism and Events Commission that work on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy is moving from analysis into action planning. “Weve completed the primary components of the analysis part of it, and now were into the process of developing action plans, strategies, and those types of elements for the plan,” Saldanha said.
The consultant presented a single-sentence vision for economic development that emphasizes "fostering a vibrant, sustainable community that balances small town charm with growth opportunities." He and commissioners discussed five foundational goals that will structure the plans action items: attract diverse businesses; encourage downtown revitalization; foster collaboration with local institutions; enhance infrastructure and connectivity; and expand tourism opportunities.
Saldanha said the draft plan will include potential projects and a map of those projects and that the team is awaiting feedback from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) about federal funding priorities for the coming budget cycle. He described the next formal product as an administrative or "70%" draft that will be reviewed by city staff before returning to the commission and city council for further consideration.
Commission feedback during the presentation emphasized that diversity of businesses should cover both downtown small businesses and larger retail and light-industrial opportunities in peripheral areas of the city. One commissioner noted the communitys interest in attracting larger retail anchors in peripheral corridors as well as family-wage industrial jobs tied to the Martin Field study; Saldanha said the CEDS language will align with the Martin Field study findings.
Saldanha and staff said the planning team will update the commission as the draft plan is finalized and as EDA priorities become clearer. No formal action or vote on the CEDS occurred at the meeting; the presentation was a staff/consultant briefing and request for commission input.
