The State budget situation continues to be daunting. The backfill to cities and counties COMMITTED by the State when car fees were first reduced is at risk. So what is the City doing to ensure our ability to continue to provide quality services in the face of political decisions made at the State level?

The Answer - which is the City Council's top community goal for FY04: Implement an aggressive Economic Development and Redevelopment program.

New business development, as well as enhancing the business environment for existing businesses, strengthens the City's tax base. An enhanced tax base translates to enhanced service levels. So what can we do to ensure our community achieves its full economic and development potential?

Critical first steps include:

• Create an attractive and pleasing downtown-shopping environment aimed at both pedestrians and businesses.

• Gauge public and business opinion regarding where we as a community want to go – or more directly - "What do we want to be when we grow up?"

• Develop business retention and expansion programs to support existing businesses.

• Market and outreach to retailers and other businesses that match the needs and expectations of the community.

So what ARE WE DOING on the ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT front?

Reconvening the Ad Hoc Committee to facilitate the development of a beachfront resort and conference facility at the end of West Grand Avenue.

Initiating a targeted marketing outreach effort to potential retailers, developers and financial dealmakers.

Updating the Land Use Element that will address a variety of issues –

• Aesthetics (quality, character and theme of development)
• Scale of development in the commercial area, which impacts development potential
• Public area improvements including streetscapes, open space and parks.

Revamping the City's façade improvement program.

Initiating the process to establish a Redevelopment Project Area in the south industrial park area.