Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy March 22, 2012

PRIORITY LEVEL 1 (8 pts.) Water, sewer and communication utilities Employment Creation/Retention -Technology and Industrial Entrepreneurial/Small Business Assistance Regional School & Educational Facilities & Programs Local School & Educational Facilities & Programs Housing Production Technology Career Facilities Clean Energy Projects Tourism Community Facilities Marketing/Promotion of Assets (new) Senior Care Facilities (3) Transportation Planning (new) PRIORITY LEVEL 2 (6 pts.)  Primary/Arterial Roads (1)  Passenger Rail and Airport Service  Facilities for Protected Populations  Comprehensive Community Development  Employment Creation/ Retention- Commercial (4)  Mixed Use Development  Central Business District Revitalization  Green Infrastructure Projects and Natural/Cultural Resources Protection (3)  Interstate Public Transportation Connections PRIORITY LEVEL 3 (4 pts.) Sheltered Workshop Secondary Roads (2) Community Centers/Recreation Other Economic Development Homeownership Program Drainage/Flood Control (2) PRIORITY LEVEL 4 (2 pts.)  Other Housing  Other Community Facilities  Other Community Services Facilities  Community Development Programs  Drought Management (2)

Modified Criteria Unemployment Rate: Utilizing the latest annual average figures available, unemployment rates will be used in evaluating project significance. City ‑ County/Town will be utilized, while in cases of multiple jurisdictions, the average rank will be determined. Points 3 A. If 10% or more above State average 2 B. If % above State average 1 C. If 1 – 5% above State average 0 D. If equal to or below State average

Additional Criteria Relationship to Natural Resources Points 5 A. Project sets aside land for conservation 3 B. Project compliments natural assets 0 C. Project does not benefit natural resources -2 D. Project is a detriment to natural resources

Goals and Objectives PEOPLE – New Goal P-19: Support the changing needs and preferences of housing with respect to current and projected demographic shifts within the New River Valley. – Objective: Collect data related to aging in place within the region – Objective: Develop training programs to develop worker skills in retrofitting and updating existing housing stock

Goals and Objectives BUSINESS/INDUSTRY AND EMPLOYMENT – Goal BI-2: To increase the number of jobs created through entrepreneurial start-ups and expansions in the New River Valley Objective: Optimize existing resources for entrepreneurs and promote collaboration between those resources (SBDC, VTKnowledgeWorks, NRVCC, etc.) Objective: Increase small business support services through provision of community e-commerce space as well as trainings (social media, computer, etc.) and connections between interns and employers.

Goals and Objectives BUSINESS/INDUSTRY AND EMPLOYMENT – Goal BI-3: To increase the development and support of local family farms Objective: Encourage cooperation between farmers and their public and private sector partners. Objective: Support local foods as part of economic growth and diversity

Goals and Objectives BUSINESS/INDUSTRY AND EMPLOYMENT – Goal BI-7: To strengthen the economic position of downtown commercial districts Objective: Support downtown revitalization goals within each New River Valley community.

Goals and Objectives NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES – Rearranged to four goals centered on: 1.Tourism 2.Land Use 3.Culture/Education 4.Regional Identity

Goals and Objectives NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES – Goal NR-2: To manage the impacts of existing and future development in order to preserve the character and quality of the regional environment Objective: Encourage a wide variety of development patterns, with emphasis on density, to preserve regional character Objective: Minimize the effect of existing and future polluting industries Objective: Centralize marketing of energy efficiency options.

Goals and Objectives – Goal NR-2: To manage the impacts of existing and future development in order to preserve the character and quality of the regional environment Objective: Create incentives for energy retrofits for homes and businesses while supporting renewable and alternative energy options Objective: Centralize marketing of energy efficiency options Objective: Create incentives for energy retrofits for homes and businesses while supporting renewable and alternative energy options.

Goals and Objectives PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE – Goal PI-2: To ensure adequate, reliable, and safe delivery of all utilities in the new River Valley. Objective: Create utility standards for service providers to follow and coordinate public digging to minimize costs and disturbances Objective: Encourage renewable energy generation as a sustainable option for New River Valley Energy Infrastructure (i.e. wind, solar, landfill methane capture, cogeneration facilities, etc.)

Goals and Objectives PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE – Goal PI-4: To improve the region’s telecommunications network to attract new firms, assist existing firms, and educate citizens. Objective: Enhance or replace obsolete telecommunications infrastructure.

Goals and Objectives PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE – Goal PI-6: To assure that the region has a diverse and ample supply of housing to meet the needs of people in all income ranges and lifestyles. Objective: Support opportunities for affordable housing in close proximity to major employment centers. Objective: Encourage a range of housing options that meet the housing needs and preferences across a person’s lifespan.

Goals and Objectives PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE – Goal PI-9: To increase the mobility of the region’s citizens, with particular focus on affordability Objective: Encourage community design that fosters active living.

NRVPDC Economic Development Program Economic Development Administration – Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) – Transportation Equipment Manufacturing Competitiveness Initiative (TEMCI) – Regional Data – Technical Assistance Floyd Commerce Park Multi-Tenant Facility

Staff Support Roles: Economic Development New River Valley Development Corporation – Revolving Loan Fund $50,000 to four businesses in 2011 – Competitiveness Center Marketing NRV Economic Development Alliance Prospect Team Virginia’s First Industrial Facilities Authority – Commerce Park