1. Verde River Economic Development Study (VREDS) Briefing for Margaret Bowman Walton Family Foundation May 23, 2011 12/22/2015VREDS1

2. The VREDS Mission: 12/22/2015VREDS2 To conduct an appraisal-level study for the Walton Family Foundation Appraisa l ImplementationFeasibility

3. 12/22/2015VREDS3 To determine the feasibility of establishing the economic value of the Verde River in the study area; To determine whether an investment of additional resources in the Verde Valley might positively impact sustainable economic development, and thereby, lead to and sustain a healthy Verde River; To determine the most efficient and effective methods to educate the public and its policy makers about the value of the river and its relationship to the economic development of the Verde Valley, including providing advice on whether this work could be done by existing entities in the Verde Valley or if a new entity is needed. The Goals:

4. The Process: 12/22/2015VREDS4 Review existing literature related to economic development and the Verde River. Review relevant studies or publications related to similar situations in other areas. Interview stakeholders, public officials, opinion leaders/community leaders and members of the general public. Analyze and summarize responses to interview questions. Seek additional input and clarification as needed. Complete study report and provide conclusions and recommendations to include practicable, economical and efficient ways to implement VREDS recommendations.

5. Logistics 12/22/2015VREDS5 Set up VREDS WebsiteVREDS Website Conduct Interviews Host WFF Grantees Workshop and Develop Listserve Conduct Weekly Team Meetings

6. Preliminary Findings: 12/22/2015VREDS6 Interviewees perceived economic development to be loosely and indirectly tied to the health of the Verde River today. Significant opportunities exist to improve and strengthen the relationship between economic development and the health of the Verde River. Interviewees gave very consistent and similar responses to the most interview questions. Interviewees generally had a poor understanding of the river's ecosystem and the threats and opportunities associated with it. A significant related study, "Verde River Corridor Study" (1989-1991), while producing substantive findings, was not implemented. Many previous studies have been “put on the shelf” and never implemented. We believe we know why and how to avoid that fate. Social Networking will play a major role in the implementation of any future actions. See: Verde River on FacebookVerde River on Facebook

7. Mazlow’s Hierarchy of Needs 12/22/2015VREDS7 Millennial Generation Generation X Baby Boomers The “Greatest Generation” Subsistence-Level People

8. Some Keys to Success 12/22/2015VREDS8 Increased and improved public access to the river, including enhanced interpretation and education. Regional “branding" which identifies the Verde Valley as a River Community. A professional organization accountable for implementation of the findings and recommendations of the VREDS study.

9. Next Steps: 12/22/2015VREDS9 Complete the in-depth analysis of interviews (keywording, statistical verification of conclusions, etc.) Assess successes and failures of previous studies and their recommendations Complete final report and recommendations Follow-up with a feasibility study to determine best way to implement recommendations of this report, including timelines, estimated costs and strategic action plan

10. Questions and Comments 12/22/2015VREDS10 Verde River Economic Development Study Doug Von Gausig Jane Whitmire Becky O’Banion Casey Rooney