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OPINION: If You Fail to Plan, You Plan to Fail |
John Ranson | 7/3/08
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The Downward Spiral
Multiple factors are responsible for the decline in the economic wellbeing of Archuleta County including policies enacted in 2006 to slow growth, the County’s financial meltdown in 2007 and the national credit crisis in 2008. I believe the lack of a multi-year Economic Plan for Archuleta County has amplified the impact of these negative forces on our local economy.
The evidence of local economic decline is everywhere. Empty storefronts abound and jobs are lost with every business closure resulting in more "For Sale" signs in residential neighborhoods.
- Registered voters have declined by 1,041 or 11% since 2006.
- Residential real estate sales declined 32% from 2005 to 2006 and 33% from 2006 to 2007.
- County building permits declined 33% from 2006 to 2007. Construction was valued at $42.9 million in 2007 and $6.5 million thru May 2008.
- School enrollment declined by over 100 students in 2007/2008 and further declines are anticipated as more families leave Archuleta County.
- Archuleta County is ranked 58 out of 64 in per capita earned income by the State of Colorado, the bottom 10%.
A New Beginning
 I propose the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) become proactive and assume a leadership role to help restore the economic health of our County. I believe a Four Year Economic Plan, which is standard governmental practice, is a key to A New Beginning. This plan starts with the current budget and projects that budget forward on an annual basis out to four years. The plan is not static and could be described as a “living document” or as one year ends the plan is projected for another year. A well designed four year plan allows for:
- Contingencies with the goal of minimizing unpleasant surprises.
- Continuous monitoring and updating making budgeting simpler.
- Building on actual budget experience which creates a knowledge base thereby eliminating guesswork.
- Expanded grant funding opportunities. This will benefit trails, recreation, recycling, roads, community transportation and many other programs.
I advocate promoting Community Economic Development and believe the BoCC should play an active role in this arena. Following are recommended action items:
- Establish a Business Recruitment Team with representatives from the County, Town, Economic Development Association, Chamber of Commerce and the public to seek out desirable businesses that will broaden our economic base.
- Enhance the opportunity for success in our existing businesses by encouraging a new level of cooperation between local governments, businesses and the public with the goal of reducing sales tax leakage to neighboring communities.
- Identify impediments to economic activity. Fees, no matter who levies them, must be based on reality and fact - not fiction. Archuleta County must be competitive with other locales. Excessive fees are a demonstrated deterrent to responsible growth.
- Aid the Citizens’ Education Task force in their efforts to bring higher education to Archuleta County. A well educated workforce makes Archuleta County more competitive when recruiting desirable businesses to our community.
I recognize there is much work to be done to restore economic vitality to Archuleta County. Economic planning is essential if we are to achieve responsible and sustainable growth for our County. Working together we can achieve a New Beginning. |
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