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Sarasota County Focus Areas For Economic Development

CleanTech

Sarasota County is working diligently to become a location of choice for green and clean technology businesses. Floridians understand the undeniable link between sustainability and the economy. Sarasota County is uniquely positioned to help companies in this sector grow – from renewable energy installers and organic produce distributors to hospitals and small businesses committed to green operations – we have recognition programs and financial incentives to support sustainable businesses. More and more clean technology and sustainable businesses are enjoying successes in Sarasota County, and with all we have to offer, the future for companies is clean, green and very bright.

Corporate Headquarters

Sarasota County is the perfect location to relocate or expand a corporate headquarters, as Florida is one of the largest economy’s in the United States. Sarasota County has the top workforce training, world-class business amenities and infrastructure, a highly skilled workforce, tremendous diversity and low taxes. We are the perfect climate for businesses to thrive.

Film/Entertainment

Sarasota County has become a true “film-friendly” and proactive production location. With hundreds of projects being assisted here annually, production companies from around the world are choosing Sarasota County to meet their needs for movies, television programs, commercials, music videos, documentaries, reality shows, and more. In addition, the renowned Sarasota Film Festival and other top-notch festivals add to our recognition and credibility throughout the film and entertainment industry. Sarasota County has what it takes and is doing the work necessary to become a world-class film and entertainment location of choice, because we truly understand show “business!”

Financial/Professional Services

Florida is a leading player in the financial and professional services industry. The diversified nature of Florida’s economic structure attracts many professional services, such as accounting, consulting, finance, and insurance. Sarasota County employs over 25,000 individuals in nearly 7,500 companies in the financial and professional services industry. This number continues to grow as more and more business relocate to our highly desired region. We are an excellent hub for growing talent and offering high-paying jobs.

InfoTech

Sarasota County delivers the ideal environment for infotech and innovation. The driving force behind advancements in the infotech industry in Sarasota County is the cultural infrastructure. By fostering creativity, innovation and diversity, we promote success in all aspects of information and technology. The stage is further set for success in the infotech industry with the culmination of a growing millennial population, top-rated education system and top-rated quality of life and customer satisfaction. Sarasota County is truly a rich environment to build partnerships that will allow for the development of the next generation of technology.

Life Science

Sarasota County has been established as a highly attractive business location for the life sciences industry. As a business-friendly location, Sarasota County offers incentives to provide sales and use tax exemptions for companies in the life sciences industry. Not only are we cost-competitive, but we are also a reputable transportation hub with a nearby deep-water seaport as well as five commercial airports situated within two hours of the County. Sarasota County offers a perfect environment and a qualified workforce to achieve medical advances and advanced research on health issues.

Manufacturing

Sarasota County attracts a wide range of manufacturing companies by maintaining a cost-competitive market, offering economic incentives and serving as a transportation hub in Florida. There are over 450 manufacturing companies in Sarasota County and the total manufacturing base is continuing to see growth. The Sarasota County manufacturing industry is top-notch, diverse, and inclusive of companies producing intermediate, finished and specialized products.


Click to view the EDC webpage:   https://www.edcsarasotacounty.com/

Click to view the City site:  https://www.sarasotafl.gov/government/planning/office-of-economic-development

Click to view of State of Florida sites:  https://www.stateofflorida.com/economic-development/



Sustainable "Green" Economic Development

Sustainable "Green" Economic Development combines environmental improvement and traditional economic development into one discipline. Traditional economic development can be employed to increase employment while improving our environment. Economic Development and “Green” Development can be synergistic, improving our overall quality of life.

Sustainable Development is defined by the United Nations as "Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Sustainable development begins at home and is supported by effective domestic policies and international partnerships. Self-governing people prepared to participate in an open world marketplace are the very foundation of sustainable development".


.The Canadian Center for Community Renewal defines “Community Economic Development as the process by which local people build organizations and partnerships that interconnect profitable business with other interests and values - for example, skills and education, health, housing, and the environment. In CED a lot more people get involved, describing how the community should change. A lot more organizations look for ways to make their actions and investments reinforce the wishes and intentions of the whole community. Business becomes a means to accumulate wealth and to make the local way of life more creative, inclusive, and sustainable - now and 20 or 30 years from now.” 

Sustainable Economic Development 

KISS (Keep it Sweet and Simple). A simple rule set and acronym is: 


KEEP 

Keep the businesses and jobs that you have

Expand the businesses you have

Enhance your community to attract new businesses

Protect and continuously improve the environment



Sustainable Economic Development is the art of keeping and expanding our businesses while continually improving the Environment. As economic developers we provide information and assistance to companies who create new jobs. We create the policies and incentives to retain our existing businesses and support expansion. A good economic development office strives to have the most comprehensive and current information available on the following subject matter areas:

• Local demographics

• Quality of life

• Public infrastructure

• Business assistance

• Real estate

• Taxes, fees, regulations

• Market the community to targeted business industries


Both successful economic development and continuing improvement to the environment are a hallmark of a quality community. Some people still think that economic development is chasing smokestacks and that economic development hurts the environment. But that view is outdated. Working intelligently, business and government can expand the economy and retain and attract quality jobs while enhancing and improving the environment.


Sustainable Economic Development Strategy 

The Vision 

Our communities will provide quality jobs at good wages while improving our environment.

Mission Statement
We are committed to providing an environment in which our natural resources, our people, and our economy are balanced. We will not compromise the future by focusing solely on the needs of today. We aspire to make our communities regional leaders who develop, promotes, and improves the quality of our community through sustainable practices.


Smart Growth, New Urbanism, and Mixed Use Development 


Sustainable Economic Development is consistent with the principles of Smart Growth, New Urbanism, and Mixed Use Development. Growth presents a tremendous opportunity for progress and change. Communities around the country are looking for methods to optimize development and to amend zoning rules that make it difficult to place workplaces, homes, and services closer together. Citizens are faced with economic pressures and seek ways to save on car and gas use and on commuting time.

To address these challenges we must make a commitment to sustainable land use planning, often called "smart growth." Taking steps such as preserving open space, providing a variety of transportation choices, encouraging compact building designs and creating walk able communities will help the city choose smart growth strategies that encourage social, cultural and physical activity. Smart growth is a way to offer more choices to citizens in terms of deciding where to live, how to get around, and will protect the environment while stimulating economic growth. Mixed use development and new urbanism emphasize reducing travel times between work and home. This is certainly consistent with sustainable development.

Sustainable Economic Development operates within a social and economic context. Smart growth also strongly supports the revitalization and/or redevelopment of established and emerging urban neighborhoods. It promotes neighborhood-centric activity centers that employ a smart growth development template that integrates a mix of uses, multi-modal circulation options, public spaces and other elements.

Environmental sustainability is a part of this operation and is best achieved when integrated with other components. A sustainable economic development organization seeks to participate within its community, integrate economic development with environmental protection, and minimize the impacts of development on the community. Through seeking balance, an organization will take into account the needs of future generations.

With financial difficulties and environmental concerns facing the global and national economy, we will place a high priority on sustainable economic development, energy efficiency, and responsible growth management.


Conclusion 

Sustainable Economic Development will be the standard for future economic development and “green” environmental improvement efforts. We can and will improve our environment while providing jobs and tax base for our community.

Sustainable Economic Development will be the standard for future economic development and “green” environmental improvement efforts. We can and will improve our environment while providing jobs and tax base for our community.


Recommended Improvements

The following are our recommended improvements to "Green" our communities that we will pursue that while working to retain and expand our businesses and jobs:

· We will retain our existing businesses and jobs

· We will help our existing businesses expand

· We will attract new businesses

· Energy efficiency in all businesses is encouraged

· Developers are encouraged to create green buildings

· Mixed use development will be emphasized

· Historic buildings will be adaptively reused

· Walk ability of the city will be encouraged

· Incentives will be employed to support improvements

· Energy efficient buildings will be required

· Sedimentation and erosion controls will be enforced

· The ecology of waters edge areas will be enhanced

· Bike trails and racks will be emphasized

· Transit will be improved

· Trees and natural landscaping will be planted

· Renewable energy sources will be sought

· Recycling will be supported

· Air and water quality will be improved

· We will ensure a just and fair society

· We will seek to provide jobs for all of our citizens


We will follow the principles below: 

Promote efficient buildings

Use recycled material in buildings

Recycle building material waste

Encourage rain harvesting and irrigation

Use passive solar orientation of buildings

Encourage solar and wind energy systems

Employ green roofs

Support the use of natural landscaping

Improve municipal staff knowledge of “green” techniques

Support quality construction for long lived buildings

Encourage mixed use development

Support walk to work programs

Encourage development that supports transit

Support efforts to redevelop older communities

Permit Live / Work Space development

Support natural open space and parks

Use open surface natural drainage where feasible

Design wetlands, drainage ways and retention into parks

Support the local production of “green” technology equipment

Incorporate bikeways and pedestrian path

Minimize pavement widths & cost & material

Update codes to encourage “green” development

Encourage geothermal energy

Require street trees

Sustainable Land Use Planning



Economic Development Links

edcsarasotacounty.com

scgov.net

scgov.net/sustainability

sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota

sarasotachamber.com

srq-airport.com

portmanatee.com

enterpriseflorida.com



References














Vision 2020 Plan for Manatee / Sarasota MPO








The MPO and consultants presented four alternative versions for the Vision 2070 Plan.  Participants voted with their cell phones on components of the plan.

The plans were well developed with excellent presentations. The plans noted that transportation, land use, and economic development all needed to be coordinated.


The region is growing by 10,000 people each year and that growth is projected to continue. The MPO has about 800,000 people now with 500,000 more people anticipated by 2070.


_____________


My Recommendations:


1. Add a north south road. The plan as shown does not add a major north south road during the next 50 years. This means that the growth must be accommodated by the existing Rt 41, Rt 301, and I-75. I recommend that the plan be revised to include a new major north south road east of I-75. The right of way should be identified and slowly acquired. The right of way should be wide enough to permit a major road, utilities, open space and environmental corridors.


2. Add a road connecting the islands to the mainland. Congestions on the three roads connecting the barrier islands to the mainland is increasing. The MPO should study a potential forth connection on the University Parkway alignment. This connects the barrier islands with the Airport and I-75. The road should be a parkway with wetland and park space on both sides of the road connection.


3. Develop a grid road extension plan. The plan does not identify section line roads to be connected and extended. This is critical. The MPO, the Counties, and the municipalities should work together to create a detailed map showing all proposed new completions of the grid. 




Merida Sarasota Economic Development Meeting Dec 11, 2019






Meeting Notes
Merida, Yucatan, Mexico and Sarasota, Florida, USA
Meeting to Improve Trade and Tourism
Wednesday, Dec 11, 2019  10:00 am
111 Orange Avenue, Sarasota, Florida, Board Room 1st Floor

In attendance: Julio Sauma Castillo, City of Merida; Mike Fehily SSC; Philip Gordon SSC; Toni Duval SSC; Grisell Aleman SSC; Craig Hullinger SSC; Steve Stancil, City of Sarasota Economic Development

Craig Hullinger called the meeting to order at 10:07 am. He noted that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss how to improve trade, investment, and tourism between our two regions and countries. We will also discuss possible improved air and sea connections,

Hullinger asked each attendee to introduce themselves and tell us a little about themselves and their organization. Mike Fehily introduced our Merida representative, Mr. Julio Sauma Castillo, Secretary for the Department of Community Outreach, Merida, Mexico. He noted that Castillo is part of the cabinet of the Mayor of Merida.

Julio Castillo said that he was pleased to meet with Sarasota. He is head of Citizen Participation in Merida. He noted that Merida is the safest city in Mexico and that tourism was a major focus for the City.

Fehilly introduced Grisell Aleman who lives in Sarasota but is originally from Mexico and grew up in Merida. She is a graphic designer who has lived for 4.5 years in Sarasota. She was very pleased to find out that Sarasota and Merida are Sister cities, which she found out from our sign in Bayfront Park. She can also serve as an interpreter.

Steve Stancel noted that his department is fairly new, and is the merger of two redevelopment agencies, and now covers the entire city. They have a multifaceted approach and work directly with developers, run grant programs, and provide grants for cultural events which generates economic development. Sarasota is only about 100 years old, but we have a number of buildings that we are preserving. They also want to reduce impact fees for some areas of the city for incentives for redevelopment.

The City works closely with the County and State on economic development programs incentives. This allows for businesses to invest in our community to reduce their taxation to make it attractive to invest in the city. They are building many transportation improvements, including a lot of streetscapes, making the City more walkable.

The County handles most of the tourism programs. The County also handles a lot of the outreach looking for business investment.

Toni Duval is the President of Sarasota Sister Cities. She has only been President for a year. The organizaton has been very active. We made a commitment about 2 years ago to focus our efforts with our Sister Cities. Like most organizations we struggle with membership. We have had a visit to Merida and to the Mexican Mayors summit in Guadalhara, Mexico. We also sent a delegation to Perpignan, France.

We also sent a representative to Xiamen, China, Vladimir, Russia, and a delegation went to Perpignan, France. We are also transitioning from Treviso, Italy to Buseto, Italy, led by Phillip Gordon.

Phillip Gordon was born in Australia, Sydney. His mother was Italian, and they lived in Italy for some time. He speaks Italian fluently. He worked In the travel business with Globus, one of the biggest travel companies in the world, headquartered in Switzerland. Phillip was the CEO of the Globus North Amerian Division. Before he was CEO he was in product development. Worked with a team to set up tours including one in the Yucatan. He has been to Merida and got a good feel for the city and its beauty, and put together packages for trips to Yucatan,

He notes that we can improve tourism to Yucatan for North American tourists. Many tour companies have packages to the Yucatan, with the product focusing more on cultural attractions than the beach. Travel agents are always looking for something new.

Craig Hullinger notes that he is the new VP for Economic Development for Sister Cities. He is a city planner and did this type of work in Illinois.

Discussion on how to improve connections among the two communities

Mike Fehily noted that the two main ways to fly to Merida from Sarasota required airplane changes in Houston or Miami. United Airlines via Houston is the lowest cost and most reliable connection. A direct connection would be much better.

Gordon does some volunteering with Score which is a big non profit with volunteers who mentor entrepreneurs who want to start new businesses. He is working with Richard Vacar who used to be the CEO of the Sarasota Airport and has worked on improving air service. Vacar will work with us to see if we can gain support for a more direct route to Merida from our region.

Duval noted that the City Web site does not list our Sister Cities. Steve Stancel said that he could set up a meeting with the IT City staff.

There has been discussion about possible sea connections to and from our two metro areas. Porto Progresso is a new port that is about 20 miles from Merida. There are cruise ships that serve the port now, most of them coming from Texas.

The City of Sarasota is looking into ferry service in and near Sarasota.

Phillip Gordon noted that he would set up a meeting with Richard Vacar to discuss how we may pursue better air connections. Possible dates are January 14, 15, 22 or 23.












More Photos of the Meeting Dec 11, 2019

https://photos.app.goo.gl/6BLmEtgTuk7nQA6F8

Photos of the Reception Dec 10, 2019

https://photos.app.goo.gl/wavdZk7AqFazxUCP9

___________

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

AGENDA

Introductions

Improve tourism among our two regions.

Increase trade and investment among our two regions.

Discuss possibility of tourist / commercial ferry service to Puerto Progreso, Yucatan and Port Manatee.

Discuss the possibility of direct air connections among our two regions.

More info at sarasotasistercities.com

Sarasota Sister Cities has an established relationship with Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, directly across the Gulf of Mexico. The two cities have conducted numerous exchanges and desire to increase travel, trade, and economic links among the regions.



At present there is no direct air or sea connection between the two regions. A connecting flight to Houston or Miami is required and there is no passenger sea connection.

A direct connection between Yucatan / Quintana Roo / Merida and the Sarasota / Manatee / Tampa / Clearwater metro area could be very successful.


Population Metro Area

2,097,000_Yucatan including Merida,
1,501,562  Quintana Roo including Cancun and Cozemel

3,598,562 Total Yucatan / Quintana Roo





3,142,663___ Tampa Clearwater Metro
821,473   ___ Sarasota Manatee Metro

3,964,136___ Sarasota / Manatee / Tampa / Clearwater




Yucatán including Merida

Yucatan, the Mexican state, is known for its Gulf of Mexico beaches and Mayan ruins. Famed Chichén Itzá encompasses a massive pyramid, ball court and stone temples. Other Mayan sites include Ek Balam, noted for well preserved sculptures, and Uxmal, with its intricate carved facades. Yucatán’s capital and largest city, Mérida, has a Spanish colonial history reflected in buildings such as 16th-century Mérida Cathedral.

Population: 2.097 million (2015)    GDP: US$ 9,191,180.625 th



Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo, the youngest Mexican State, is adjacent to Yucatan and is a major tourist destination. The Riviera Maya is located along the Caribbean coastline, including Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos, Akumal and Cozumel. There are a number of Mayan archeological sites in Qintana Roo, including Chacchoben, Coba, Kohunlich, Muyil, San Gervasio, Tulum, Xcaret, Xelha, and Yo'okop. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quintana_Roo_

Cancún International Airport is located in Cancún, Quintana Roo, on the Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. It is Latin America's fourth and Mexico's second busiest airport, after Mexico City International Airport. In 2018, Cancún airport handled 25,202,016 passengers, a 6.8% increase compared to 2017. Wikipedia



Sarasota

Sarasota metropolitan area is a metropolitan area located in Southwest Florida. The metropolitan area is defined by the Office of Management and Budget as the North Port–Sarasota–Bradenton metropolitan statistical area as a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) consisting of Manatee County and Sarasota County.[1] The largest cities in the MSA are North Port and Sarasota (both in Sarasota County) and Bradenton (in Manatee County). At the 2010 Census, the MSA had a population of 702,281. The Census Bureau estimates that its population was 821,573 in 2018.

Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater Metropolitan Statistical AreaEdit

The population of the Tampa Bay MSA is estimated at 3,142,663 people as of 2018.




















Sarasota Manatee Tourism Map
http://sarasota.welcomeguide-map.com/


























Discussion With The Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)

Discussion on Economic Development

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA)


"MEDA works at economic development on a global scale and the international hub does some quite excellent work. They are set up with local 'hubs' around the world and there is a small one here in Sarasota. We have an interest in learning how to support Sarasota and its citizens more so in their economic development needs - although again, in small ways, be it microloans or mentorship or otherwise."


CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MEDA

_______________________


Click To Type Your Thoughts / Concerns / Notes / Questions / Comments Here 



Contacts / Agencies in Sarasota and Florida


City of Sarasota

Focus on Redevelopment

https://www.sarasotafl.gov/government/planning/office-of-economic-development


https://www.sarasotafl.gov/government/planning/office-of-economic-development/ceo-community-entrepreneur-opportunity


 CONTACT OUR TEAM

 Steve Cover Director of Planning Steve.Cover@SarasotaFL.gov 941-263-6480
 Onya Bates Redevelopment Manager Onya.Bates@SarasotaFL.gov 941-263-6281
 Susan Dodd Redevelopment Manager Susan.Dodd@SarasotaFL.gov 941-263-6282
 John Moran Operations Manager, D.I.D. John.Moran@SarasotaFL.gov 941-724-5578
 Brandy Wiesner Operations Manager, B.I.D. Brandy.Wiesner@SarasotaFL.gov 941-266-7599

 Steve Stancel            Economic Development                 Steven.Stancel@sarasotafl.gov       941 263 6480


EDC Sarasota County

Overall Economic Development of All County

http://www.edcsarasotacounty.com


Lisa Krouse CEO

Erin Silk Vice President of Business Development Services

Destin Wells Vice President, Business Development dwells@edcsarasotacounty.com


Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County

1680 Fruitville Road, Suite 402

Sarasota, Florida 34236

Office: (941) 309-1200 ext. 101  Fax:  (941) 309-1209





State of Florida

Focus on Major Projects For The State

https://www.flgov.com/governor%E2%80%99s-office-of-tourism-trade-and-economic-development/


https://www.stateofflorida.com/economic-development/


_______________________


Sarasota Sister Cities Economic Development

www.sarasotasistercities.com


Craig Hullinger 941 312 1032 sarasotasistercities@gmail.com


_______________________

Second Chance-Last Opportunity

Mailing Address:  P.O. Box 1027, Sarasota, FL 34230 - in Newtown

1933 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Sarasota, FL 34234

April Glasco   aglasco63@gmail.com  (941) 360-8660

https://secondchancelastopportunity.org/

____________________


Manasota SCORE

2801 Fruitville Road, Suite 280
SarasotaFL 34237  Tel: (941) 955-1029 

_________________


Sarasota Area Chamber of Commerce

1945 Fruitville Road Sarasota, Florida 34236
(941) 955-8187   communications@sarasotachamber.com

https://www.sarasotachamber.com/

___________


Discussion - Economic Development in Sarasota

Sarasota Sister Cities Strategy


Sustainable “Green" Economic Development combines environmental improvement

and traditional economic development into one discipline. Traditional economic development

can be employed to increase employment while improving our environment. Economic

Development and “Green” Development should be synergistic, improving our overall quality of life.


Sustainable Development – Definitions


"Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations

to meet their own needs." United Nations         

http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/csd/reviAew.htm


"We believe sustainable development begins at home and is supported by effective domestic policies,

and international partnerships. Self-governing people prepared to participate in an open world marketplace

are the very foundation of sustainable development." 

         US State Department    http://www.state.gov/g/oes/sus/


"We pledge to transmit this city not only not less, but far greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted

to us." Oath written by Pericles. From 594 to 404 B.C., literature, science, philosophy, and the arts flourished

in Athens. The birthplace of democracy had its golden age during the rule of statesman Pericles (c. 495-429 B.C.),

who made sweeping political reforms and actively supported the arts. Pericles is credited with the Athenian

oath of fealty.


"Leave your campground better than you found it." Scouting Principle.


“Leave your community better than you found it.” Our Principle.



Traditional Economic Development


The ongoing growth and improvement of the economy is critical for any community. Government

and the private sector work to enhance and expand business, jobs, and tax base. This is especially

important now during the "Great Recession" currently underway. A quality community requires full employment -

the opportunity for all citizens to earn a living while contributing to the entire society.


Economic development is the increase in the amount of people in a nation's population with sustained

growth from a simple, low-income economy to a modern, high-income economy. Its scope includes the

process and policies by which a nation improves the economic, political, and social well-being of its people.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economic_development


Gonçalo L Fonsesca at the New School for Social Research defines economic development as "the

analysis of the economic development of nations.  http://www.newschool.edu/nssr/het/contact.htm


The University of Iowa's Center for International Finance and Development states that:  "'Economic

development' or 'development' is a term that economists, politicians, and others have used frequently

in the 20th century. The concept, however, has been in existence in the West for centuries. Modernization,

Westernization, and especially Industrialization are other terms people have used when discussing economic

development. Although no one is sure when the concept originated, most people agree that development is

closely bound up with the evolution of capitalism and the demise of feudalism. http://www.uiowa.edu/ifdebook/


The Canadian Center for Community Renewal defines “Community Economic Development as the process

by which local people build organizations and partnerships that interconnect profitable business with other

interests and values - for example, skills and education, health, housing, and the environment. In CED a lot

more people get involved, describing how the community should change. A lot more organizations look for ways

to make their actions and investments reinforce the wishes and intentions of the whole community. Business

becomes a means to accumulate wealth and to make the local way of life more creative, inclusive, and sustainable

- now and 20 or 30 years from now.” http://www.cedworks.com/CEDdefinition.html




Sustainable Economic Development

KISS (Keep it Sweet and Simple) 


Our simple rule set and acronym for sustainable economic development:


KEEP


Keep the businesses and jobs that you have

Expand the businesses you have

Enhance your community to attract new businesses

Protect and continuously improve the environment


Sustainable Economic Development is the art of keeping and expanding your businesses

while continually improving the Environment. As economic developers we provide information

and assistance to companies who create new jobs. We create the policies and incentives to

retain our existing businesses and support expansion. A good economic development office

strives to have the most comprehensive and current information available on the following

subject matter areas:


• Local demographics

• Quality of life

• Public infrastructure

• Business assistance

• Real estate

• Taxes, fees, regulations

• Market the community to targeted business industries


Both successful economic development and continuing improvement to the environment

are a hallmark of a quality community. Some people still think that economic development

is chasing smokestacks and that economic development hurts the environment.


But that view is outdated. Working intelligently, business and government can expand the

economy and retain and attract quality jobs while enhancing and improving the environment.



Sustainable Economic Development Strategy


Feel free to use this adapt this brief strategy to your own local situation.


VISION


Our communities will provide quality jobs at good wages while improving our environment.


Mission Statement


We are committed to providing an environment in which our natural resources, our people,

and our economy are balanced. We will not compromise the future by focusing solely on the

needs of today. We aspire to make our communities regional leaders who develop, promotes,

and improves the quality of our community through sustainable practices.


Mission Statement


The following are our recommended improvements to "Green" our communities that we

will pursue that are aimed at retaining and expanding our businesses and jobs:


· We will retain our existing businesses and jobs

· We will help our existing businesses expand

· We will attract new businesses

· Energy efficiency in all businesses is encouraged

· Developers are encouraged to create green buildings


· Mixed use development will be emphasized

· Historic buildings will be adaptively reused

· Walk ability of the city will be encouraged

· Incentives will be employed to support improvements

· Energy efficient buildings will be required


· Sedimentation and erosion controls will be enforced

· The ecology of waters edge areas will be enhanced

· Bike trails and racks will be emphasized

· Transit will be maintained

· Trees and natural landscaping will be planted


· Renewable energy sources will be sought

· Recycling will be supported

· Air and water quality will be improved

· We will ensure a just and fair society

· We will seek to provide jobs for all of our citizens


 

We will follow the principles below:


Promote efficient buildings

Use recycled material in buildings

Recycle building material waste

Encourage rain harvesting and irrigation

Use passive solar orientation of buildings


Encourage solar and wind energy systems

Employ green roofs

Support the use of natural landscaping

Improve municipal staff knowledge of “green” techniques

Support quality construction for long lived buildings


Encourage mixed use development

Support walk to work programs

Encourage development that supports transit

Support efforts to redevelop older communities

Permit Live / Work Space development


Support natural open space and parks

Use open surface natural drainage where feasible

Design wetlands, drainageways and retention into parks

Support the local production of “green” technology equipment

Incorporate bikeways and pedestrian path


Minimize pavement widths & cost & material

Update codes to encourage “green” development

Encourage geothermal energy

Require street trees

Sustainable Land Use Planning



Smart Growth

 

Growth presents a tremendous opportunity for progress and change.

Communities around the country are looking for methods to optimize development

and to amend zoning rules that make it difficult to place workplaces, homes, and

services closer together. Citizens are faced with economic pressures and seek ways

to save on car and gas use and on commuting time.


To address these challenges we must make a commitment to sustainable land use

planning, often called "smart growth." Taking steps such as preserving open space,

providing a variety of transportation choices, encouraging compact building designs

and creating walk able communities will help the city choose smart growth strategies

that encourage social, cultural and physical activity. Smart growth is a way to offer

more choices to citizens in terms of deciding where to live, how to get around, and

will protect the environment while stimulating economic growth.


Sustainable Economic Development operates within a social and economic context.

Smart growth also strongly supports the revitalization and/or redevelopment of established

and emerging urban neighborhoods. It promotes neighborhood-centric activity centers

that employ a smart growth development template that integrates a mix of uses, multi-modal

circulation options, public spaces and other elements.


Environmental sustainability is a part of this operation and is best achieved when integrated

with other components. A sustainable economic development organization seeks to participate

within its community, integrate economic development with environmental protection, and

minimize the impacts of development on the community. Through seeking balance, an

organization will take into account the needs of future generations.


With financial difficulties and environmental concerns facing the global and national economy,

we will place a high priority on sustainable economic development, energy efficiency, and

responsible growth management.


CONCLUSION


Sustainable Economic Development will be the standard for future economic development

and “green” environmental improvement efforts. We can and will improve our environment

while providing jobs and tax base for our community.


This Article Can Be Found At:


http://sustainableeconomicdevelopment.blogspot.com


References


http://greencitydevelopment.blogspot.com

http://sustainableeasternwillcounty.blogspot.com

http://riverssedgeredevelopmentiniative.blogspot.com

http://rivertraildrive.blogspot.com

http://greenedgepeoria.blogspot.com

http://greenpeoria.blogspot.com

http://sustainablepeoria.blogspot.com/

http://greencitydevelopment.blogspot.com/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sustainable_development

http://sustainablepeoria.blogspot.com/

http://greencitydevelopment.blogspot.com/

http://peoriastrategy.blogspot.com/

http://www.renaissanceparkpeoria.com/

http://www.ilapa.org/news/2010/Apr10/greeninf.html

https://sistercities.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Measures-that-Matter.pdf

Craig Hullinger is the Vice President of Economic Development forn Sarasota Sister Cities. He has 40 years of experience in economic development, city planning, and transportation planning. He is a Partner in the consulting firm Ruyle Hullinger and Associates. He was formerly Planning Director of Will County and a Village Manager for several communties. He was the Economic Development Director of the City of Peoria, Illinois, and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and Lamda Alpha. He publishes a number of blogs on economic development, planning, and sustainability which can be found at http://craighullinger.com/. He can be contacted at craighullinger@gmail.com or sarasotasistercities@gmail.com or by phone at 941 312 1032.




Powerpoint Presentations
Sarasota Sister Cities
These Were Made to Sarasota Sister Cities



 

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Discussion Items


EB-5  

americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/eb-5-visa-program-what-it-and-how-it-works


Import / Export - Lessor Developed Countries could export arts and crafts to a business created with EB-5 - an entreprenuer from the LDC sets up shop in a redevelopment area, imports goods from the LDC, also sells by catalogue.


Medical Services - Sarasota is a center of medical service because of our large retirement population and excellent health care services, especially geriatric. We could market the region for medical services for persons from other countries with less robust medical servics - ala Mayo Clinic.


Tourism - Sarasota is a major center for tourism.  Anything we can do to facilitate this helps our economy. Cultural tourism emphasizing our musems and arts in addition to the warmth and seaside. Smaller cultural venues that coiuld be popular.  New York has the major facilities in the US, but we have great culture on a smaller more intimate scale.  


Transportation - We have reviewed the 2070 Plan for the Sarasota Manatee County Metropolitan Planning Area (MPO). We advocate for a more detailed and aggressive development of the grid road system - interconnect and extend roads where possible. Show them on the map and aggressively develop them. 



Proposals


Animation Video - Ringling to produce tourism animation to market Florida and Sarasota  https://animationsarasota.blogspot.com/


Improve our Parks  https://honorepark.blogspot.com/


Create a Town Square in Sarasota  http://sarasotatownsquare.blogspot.com/


Gift Catalogue for Sarasota   https://giftsforsarasota.blogspot.com/


Green Sculpture   https://sarasotagreensculpture.blogspot.com/


Merida Sarasota ED  https://sarasotameridaeconomicdevelopment.blogspot.com/




Discussion - Possible Joint Efforts MEDA and SSC Economic Development