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AB TTACHMENT Regional Economic Development Strategies JEO Approval Date: September 14, 2009 Department: Planning and Development Staff Contact: Jon Ruiz, Gino Grimaldi, Jeff Spartz www.ci.eugene.or.usContact Telephone Number: 682-5336 The following strategies developed by the TAG establish a vision for how the governments, businesses, and community members can work together to help the Eugene-Springfield metro area achieve economic sustainability. They establish a framework for decision-making for community partners within Eugene, Springfield and Lane County. 1.Business Retention and Expansion Support the Growth and Development of Existing Area Businesses to Achieve Quality Job Creation. We recognize the crucial role existing area businesses play in sustaining the health of the local economy and in creating job opportunities. Efforts should be directed at supporting the operating needs of local businesses as well as meeting their needs for expansion and growth. Tactic 1: Coordinate public capital and finance networks within the region to facilitate business access to needed funding for continued operation and growth. Tactic 2: Develop or strengthen peer-to-peer support networks for businesses of any type (start-up, existing, large, small, etc) for communicating regional information on financing, physical development, locating, hiring, recruiting, training. Tactic 3: Assist businesses with site development or expansion through coordinated multi- agency review of development permits. Develop methods and policies to streamline the permitting process. 2.Entrepreneurial Infrastructure Accelerate the Development of Entrepreneurial Infrastructure . (Defined as those facilities and services present within our region which encourage the creation of new ventures, and the growth and development of small- and medium- sized enterprises). Tactic 1: Increase the amount of investment capital in our region by leveraging such groups as the Willamette Angel Conference (WAC), the Southern Willamette Angel Network (formerly Lane Venture Forum), the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN), and the investor relations programs led by the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce. Tactic 2: Expand the partnership with University of Oregon and Oregon State University in bringing new technologies and innovations to market. Tactic 3: Improve the region’s deal flow for investors by accelerating start-ups that are growth-ready, and providing educational opportunities for entrepreneurs to increase their skills. 13 Page of