Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Supervisor Dave Pine
Subject: Association of Bay Area Governments’ Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and Regional Economic Development District
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution endorsing the “Vision, Goals, and Objectives” of the Association of Bay Area Governments’ Regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and Regional Economic Development District.
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BACKGROUND:
In 2016, the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) began partnering with the federal Economic Development Administration (USEDA) and regional and local economic and workforce organizations to prepare a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) that would lead to the establishment of a Bay Area Regional Economic Development District (EDD). The CEDS describes regional economic conditions and trends, identifies strengths and challenges, and includes the vision, goals and objectives that will guide the activities of the EDD.
Although San Mateo County’s average per capita income is among the top three in the Bay Area, the County also faces challenges that threaten the long-term health of the economy, including housing affordability, long commutes and traffic congestion, pockets of poverty, workforce skills that lag business needs impeding opportunities in some areas, sea level rise both along the coast and bayside, and inefficient transportation connections, particularly in rural and coastal areas.
The EDD is intended to be a platform for cooperative action, shared information, and the development of creative policy responses to address economic, workforce, and equity issues that no single jurisdiction, organization, or enterprise can solve alone. Furthermore, the CEDS Action Plan and Regional EDD designation will improve local jurisdiction access to federal, state, and private foundation investments, foster greater public and private collaboration, and expand the effectiveness of local and regional resources.
DISCUSSION:
ABAG is requesting the endorsement of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors of the attached Vision, Goals and Objectives of the regional Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and regional Economic Development District. The Vision, Goals and Objectives were developed over the past year in partnership with local jurisdictions and economic and workforce organizations and related stakeholders in each Bay Area county.
In order to establish the framework for an Economic Action Plan to direct a region-wide Economic Development District that is recognized by the USEDA, the Vision, Goals and Objectives must be approved by the Boards of Supervisors of at least five Bay Area counties. To date, here is the status of action taken by other Bay Area Counties:
• Endorsement Resolutions passed: San Francisco County, Contra Costa County
• ABAG Board Presentation scheduled: Santa Clara County (December)
• ABAG Board Presentation in progress of being scheduled: Alameda County, Solano County
• ABAG staff in discussions with County staff: Napa County, Sonoma County, Marin County
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
Your support and approval is recommended.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact resulting from the Board’s adoption of the resolution. With respect to the creation of an Economic Development District, it is anticipated that the District’s future operations would be primarily funded with State and Federal revenues with no impact on future ABAG membership contributions. If future ABAG membership contributions are increased, then funds will be appropriated in future budgets.