Strategic Plan Provides Focus for the Future
Elbert County released its first-ever standalone economic strategy. After months of research, analysis and gathering community input, the County has compiled a concise, targeted plan for maintaining the County’s fundamental rural character while meeting the needs of the community over the long term. “A completed Economic Development Strategic Plan now allows us to take what we learned from community input and analysis from our consultant partners and focus our energies on the specific goals and objectives that were identified,” said Marc Dettenrieder, Economic Development Manager. “We have targets with timelines, and we look forward to taking action on the recommendations that align with the philosophy and vision of the County’s Comprehensive Plan.”
The plan’s formation included a survey with feedback from over 300 community members, ensuring that it reflects the values and priorities of those who call Elbert County home. The plan consists of three objectives, with correlating strategies and a vision for each:
1. Community Character
Local leadership understands how important Elbert County’s authentic rural character is to its residents. With that in mind, the plan includes a strategy for strengthening and maintaining that rural character by clearly identifying and articulating what makes Elbert County unique – and what it means to be in Elbert County from both a resident and business perspective.
Examples of this include finding new and exciting uses for fairgrounds and trails and implementing a façade grant program so business owners can enhance their businesses and adhere to standards for their respective historic zones.
2. Fiscal Stability
To ensure that the County’s economic future is sturdy and secure, the plan has formed a strategy for facilitating the process of commercial development and recruiting new businesses. Examples of this include improving the permitting process and targeting and recruiting businesses based on residents’ needs and priorities. “From a purely economic development perspective, the strategic attraction
of businesses that meet the needs of our community and provide jobs closer to home is an appealing output of this project,” explained Dettenrieder.
3. Local Economy
Lastly, the plan is committed to supporting the local economy by expanding and retaining local businesses. This includes advocating for existing businesses as well as providing assistance to help retain and expand them. It also includes marketing support for and promotion of companies that align with Elbert County’s rural identity. “To increase and support the physical assets, businesses, and events that strengthen the rural identity of the County is an exciting aspect of the plan,” said Dettenrieder. “This will help shape and preserve what it means to be in Elbert County.”