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Attachment A <br />Regional Prosperity Economic Development Plan <br />Introduction <br />In February 2010, the Regional Prosperity Economic Development Plan was finalized by the officials <br />of Lane County and the Cities of Eugene and Springfield. The stated goal is to “create 20,000 net <br />new jobs in the chosen economic opportunity areas; reduce the local unemployment rate to, or <br />below, the state average; and increase the average wage to, or above, the state average” by 2020. <br />The plan set forth guiding principles of healthy living, smart growth, local independence, regional <br />identity, and to be prepared (in the region’s physical, social, and educational infrastructure). It also <br />outlines six major strategy areas: Growing Local Opportunities, Energize a Creative Economy, Invest <br />in Tomorrow’s Talent, Provide for Basic Business Needs, Identify as a Place to Thrive, and Strengthen <br />Key Industries. The plan also contemplates actions to be taken by a broad community partnership in <br />support of these strategies. <br />Action on Strategic Areas <br />1.Grow economic opportunities <br /> <br /> <br />This strategy focuses on the growth of local businesses as a prime source for near term job <br />growth. Actions underway include: <br /> <br />a.Lane BusinessLink: A web-based “one stop” source for business <br /> <br />development resources. The site was launched in October of <br />2011 and attracted hundreds of visits in the first couple of <br />months. The site features online resources for businesses and <br />instructive links and tools for entrepreneurs or small <br />business owners in search of information about business <br />planning, financial assistance, resources, or regulations. <br /> <br />Leader: Lane Community College / Small Business <br />Development Center <br /> <br /> <br />b.BDF Loans: The Business Development Fund is the <br /> <br />City’s primary tool to assist with the expansion of <br />local businesses. Focused efforts in the BDF over the <br />past 24 months resulted in 18 loans totaling $1.4 <br />million, leveraging $14 million in private investment <br />Beer Barons: Ninkasi Brewing Company is one <br />and the projected creation of 130 jobs. <br /> <br />of the fastest growing beers in the nation with <br /> <br />the help of City of Eugene business loans. <br />Leader: City of Eugene <br /> <br />