Issue link: https://townofcary.uberflip.com/i/791958
CHAPTER 10:ACT 274 - Implement the strategic initiatives in Chapter 2: LIVE that will promote the development of housing options that are affordable and appealing to a diverse workforce. Strategic 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. Strategic 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. Strategic Initiative: Maximize Cary's Locational Appeal - Implement LIVE, SHAPE, SHOP, ENGAGE, MOVE, and SERVE strategic 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. SHOP: Create Vibrant Destinations by Managing Future Land Use and Encouraging Redevelopment and Infill Efforts Strategic Initiative: Promote and Enable Revitalization of Existing Commercial Centers - Review all Town development regulations to identify and remove disincentives for redevelopment. - Create baseline economic health indicators for aging commercial centers as a first step in evaluating the need for a Minimum Commercial Code. - Develop evaluation criteria to guide public investment in redevelopment projects. - Create new infill and redevelopment design guidelines that balance the goal of encouraging redevelopment with the goal of protecting the character of adjacent neighborhoods.