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Economic Development

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Economic Development Strategy Statement:

The Town of Chapel Hill will innovatively and proactively diversify local economic opportunities by retaining and supporting existing jobs, and attracting new, desirable jobs in locations convenient to transit and housing. Our goal is to build a sustainable economy within the context of the Town’s adopted Comprehensive Plan which places importance on the built and natural environment, community character, transit orientation, social equity and quality of life.

Goal Statements and Objectives

1.   Grow the non-residential tax base consistent with the principles of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan.

a.   Analyze the retail market to identify opportunities and capacity

b.   Involve stakeholders in identifying locations and objectives for non-residential development

c.   Continue to seek new opportunities for downtown redevelopment

2.   Develop educational and employment opportunities to expand workforce skills and reduce commuting.

a.   Work with community educational institutions to identify and develop training for job opportunities.

b.   Establish a working group of residents, students and professors to identify strategies for retaining and attracting the creative class.

c.   Work to increase the supply and diversity of new office space.

3.   Focus on locally owned and/or oriented businesses.

a.   Work with UNC, the Downtown Partnership and the Chamber of Commerce to identify and understand barriers for new and existing business development.

b.   Develop incentives to assist in small and local business development.

c.   Develop stronger pedestrian, bicycle and transit connections between centers of activity.

4.   Maintain an open and collaborative relationship with the University.

a.   Develop an Innovations Team with the University as a think tank for economic development

5.   Welcome green and ecologically sound businesses and developments.

a.   Work with our community partners to develop incentives for green development, jobs and business opportunities.

6.   Maintain a community character that promotes economic vitality, environmental protection and social equity.

a.   Continue our welcoming environment for a diverse workforce

b.   Continue and diversify our strong affordable and workforce housing policies.

 

News

02/21/2008 Community to Contribute “Big Picture” Economic Strategy

04/26/2007 Economic Development Officer Announced

Agenda Items

06/25/2008 Economic Development Strategy

06/07/2006 Mayor’s Committee Report on Economic Development Professional

Economic Development Highlights

Economic Development Plan
Economic Development Work Plan
Public Comments on Economic Development Plan
Process of Economic Development for Listening Sessions
Economic Development Strategy planning overview

Documents

Quick Report: July 2008
Quick Report: June 2008
Quick Report: April 2008
Quick Report: January 2008
Quick Report: November 2007
Quick Report: October 2007
Quick Report: August 2007
Quick Report: July 2007
Development Update to Chamber of Commerce, Sept. 23, 2008
Building Progressive Majority in the States
Eco-Density
Blacktown Economic Development Strategy
Austin Sustainable Economic Development
Clemson Economic Development Strategy
Toronto Economic Development Strategy
Chapel Hill Comprehensive Plan (2000) - 6.0 Economy and Employment

Links

Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Partnership
Downtown Parking Strategy
Opening A Business in Chapel Hill (pdf)
140 West Franklin (DEDI)
Orange County Economic Development Commission

Contact Us

For more information, contact Economic Development Officer Dwight Bassett at or (919) 969-5010.