SR 05:272 - Laserfiche WebLink

matched by a grant from PG&E. In September 1998, the City Council authorized a $20,000 contribution toward funding the Business Council's Tri-Valley Vision 2010 Project. The Council supported the "Enhancement of Open Space, Agriculture and Environmental Quality" goal of that project by appropriating $25,000 in FY 2001-02 to advance development of the Agricultural Enterprise Plan, and then in June 2003, the Council contributed $25,000 to assist with the implementation of that same plan. DISCUSSION The Business Council undertook a comprehensive analysis of the Tri- Valley economy in 1997. That report helped mobilize business, community and government leaders to work together to promote the economic vitality and quality of life of the region. From that study, a regional vision was created and teams were formed to take action on agricultural and open space preservation, housing, transportation, economic vitality, education, and other issues. Periodic updates of regional indicators have helped chart progress towards this 2010 vision. Recognizing that in recent years much has changed in the Tri-Valley, earlier this year the Business Council completed an update to the 1997 study, resulting in the Preserving Prosperity Project report. This project's focus was understanding how industry clusters have evolved, what new economic opportunities are emerging, how the role of the Tri-Valley is changing in relation to neighboring communities and how to respond to these changes in ways that preserve the region's prosperity. The "Preserving Prosperity Project" report was researched and prepared by the Bay Area firm, Collaborative Economics (who prepared the prior study). The intent of the project was to understand changes in the regional economy so that the Business Council and Tri-Valley cities might develop the collaborative actions necessary to address challenges and capitalize on opportunities created by Tri-Valley's changing economy. Phase I of the study analyzed several aspects of the region's changing economy, including employment and income, evolving industry clusters, patterns among Tri-Valley Businesses, and the changing role of the Tri-Valley economy in relation to the greater Bay Area. The Preserving Prosperity Project report highlights key trends, challenges and opportunities to preserving prosperity in the Tri-Valley, along with examples of relevant "best practices" from other regions. Phase II of the study will convene a team of business, government and community leaders to determine priorities that need to be pursued to preserve the region's prosperity. This team is called the Executive Roundtable and includes the Mayor, City Manager and Economic Development Manager of each of the five Tri- Valley cities. The Executive Roundtable will meet semi-annually; the first meeting of the Roundtable is scheduled for Thursday, November 10, 2005. The Roundtable meetings are intended to be a forum at which the representatives discuss the future direction and activities of the Business Council, thereby affording the cities an opportunity to influence the priority of programs and ensure that the work of the Business Council is not counterproductive, or in conflict with, the work of the City Councils. Smaller SR:05:272 Page 2