Issue link: http://townofcary.uberflip.com/i/791958
CHAPTER 9:ACT 262 WORK: Foster a Prosperous Economy and Fiscal Health, and Leverage the Town's Regional Context Policy Initiative: Foster a Resilient Economic Base and Diverse Workforce - Study and identify business sectors with the greatest promise for diversifying our economic base; focus recruitment efforts accordingly. - Amend zoning and development ordinances as necessary to allow selected business and industrial parks to transform into employment mixed-use campuses. - Implement the policy initiatives in Chapter 2: LIVE that will promote the development of housing options that are affordable and appealing to a diverse workforce. Policy Initiative: Create a Business-Friendly Environment - Create and develop initiatives in concert with the Chamber of Commerce to support the creation and growth of small businesses, e.g. a small-business loan program, expansion of the façade improvement program, incubator space, etc. - Expand the role and make-up of the Economic Development Commission to review and identify improvements to ordinances, policies, fee schedules, and programs that would foster a business-supportive environment. - Partner with the Chamber of Commerce to proactively maintain a relationship with major employers, i.e. CEO roundtable, to identify cooperative efforts to improve the business climate. Policy Initiative: Promote the Economic Growth and Vitality of Downtown - Take a leadership role in exploring opportunities for bringing additional transit services downtown, in downtown station area planning, and in increasing regional coverage and connectivity. - Amend downtown zoning and development ordinances to reflect the downtown special planning area vision. - Develop marketing collateral to promote development opportunities and successes. Policy Initiative: Maximize Cary's Locational Appeal - Implement LIVE, SHAPE, SHOP, ENGAGE, MOVE, and SERVE policy initiatives and actions. - Solicit feedback from employees of targeted businesses to identify opportunities for enhancing Cary's national image in order to attract types of industries and workers critical to Cary's future. - Strengthen and promote Cary's brand to direct economic recruitment.