Business & Economic Growth Action Plan Biannual Update October 13, 2015

Business & Economic Growth Action Plan  On March 10, 2015, the Alachua County Commission unanimously approved the Action Plan.  The Action Plan includes 47 recommendations to improve business climate.  Collaborative effort between the Gainesville Chamber, Alachua County Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC), Alachua County staff, and citizens.

Timeline 3/2015 BoCC adopted the Revised Business and Economic Growth Action Plan and detailed Implementation Matrix, including timeframes. EDAC uses monthly meetings to monitor progress to ensure completion of the recommendations. 8/2015 BoCC established a 11 at-large citizen Task Force to oversee the implementation & progress on addressing recommendations. 10/2015 First biannual progress report presented to BoCC 10/2015 Task Force anticipated first quarterly meeting

Business & Economic Growth Action Plan Overview of the Business and Economic Growth Initiative Introduction Overview of Existing Economic & Demographic Information Economic Picture Overview of Each of the Focus Areas Identified by EDAC Focus Area Specific Action Items for Each of the Five Focus Areas Recommendations Matrix Including Action Items, Timeline, and Status Implementation EDAC Strategic Plan and Workshop Table Top Report Appendices

Focus Areas Based on feedback from workshop participants, EDAC and the Chamber of Commerce developed five focus areas from which to establish recommendations for economic development Focus Areas Development Approval Process Improvement Communication Economic Growth and Diversification Quality of LifeInfrastructure

Business & Economic Growth Task Force Robert Woody Ishmael Rentz Kinnon Thomas Adrian Hayes-Santos Svein Dyrkolbotn Doug Jones Reverend Karl Anderson Andy Sherrard Mitch Glaeser Denise Hutson John Carlson (Gainesville Chamber Chair) BoCC established a 11 at-large citizen Task Force to the implementation & progress on addressing recommendations

Implementation Matrix *Recommendations will be categorized as either Administrative, which can be completed by staff, or as Policy, which will require policy decisions an direction from the BoCC

Status Sheets

Progress to Date Dashboard Recommendations 47 No Action Taken 5 Analysis in Progress Analysis Completed 2 Implementation 4 Completed 10 On-going

Progress on Selected Items #1 #13 #15 Resource Recovery Park - Develop the Alachua County Resource Recovery Park to attract light and advanced manufacturing businesses into the region. Provide technical assistance to municipalities interested in creating new business incentives. Maintain efficient and predictable timelines for development review. Review opportunities to streamline approval processes for development review and land/use and zoning. Include project status information for development plan review, zoning and land use applications on County website. Develop system using in-house resources to apply online/electronically for: pre-application screening, building permits, development plan review. Create a County website section with business resource links to connect small businesses with service providers, support organizations, and programs. #18 #40 #16

Progress on Recommendation #1  Created a prospect list of companies in the recycling, materials, waste-related industries.  Participated in Marketing Trips organized by CEO/Chamber to promote the area as a prime location for business attraction, expansion and investment. Silicon Valley (April 2015) Boston area (June 2015)  Waste-related company received a QTI Incentive Package to potentially become the first tenant at the RRP. The project is proposing creating 58 new jobs and $160 million in capital investment

Progress on Recommendation #13  Staff provided technical assistance and drafted application for Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) designation on behalf City of Hawthorne REDI certification was awarded to city on August 2015

Progress on Recommendation #40  A “Business Resources” menu has been added, allowing those who do business in the County, or those looking to do business in the County, quick access to various resources that the County and the region has to offer.

Progress on Recommendation #15 Development Review Process Improvement Plan  Economic Development Advisory Committee – monthly updates, presentations by local engineers.  Numerous meetings to gather feedback – North Central Florida Builder’s Association, Chamber of Commerce.  Many staff meetings to analyze feedback and consider options

Development Review Process Goals  Provide excellent public service.  Implement a process that is transparent, intuitive, and accountable.  Instill a project oriented approach by staff.  Secure desired developments that advance the community’s plans, vision, and quality of life.

Proposed Improvements  Planner assigned to a project to serve as a liaison to facilitate communication and a close working relationship with the applicant through the lifecycle of the project.  Planner of Day at the Building Permit Counter to enhance customer service.  Minor updates to ULDC for clarity and process improvements.  Anticipate updates to the Board of Adjustment, the Plat process, the waiver process, and redevelopment standards.

Progress on Recommendations #16 & #18 Development Review Online  Staff is creating a website that will provide access to all current projects, all correspondence and a schedule for upcoming meetings related to the projects.  Map function (integrated with Map Genius) that indicates locations of active projects with a link the project information.  Full access to the public mapgenius.alachuacounty.us/development-projects/

Business & Economic Growth Action Plan October 13, 2015