Economic Development Policy

Why Economic Development Matters

A thriving local economy is the foundation of a vibrant and sustainable community. Economic development ensures that Cross Plains continues to grow as a place where residents can live, work, and prosper. By fostering an environment that supports local businesses, attracts new investments, and creates jobs, we build a resilient economy that benefits everyone. Economic development doesn’t just create opportunities; it also strengthens our tax base, which allows us to fund public services and infrastructure improvements that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Key Tenets of the Policy

• Fostering Business Growth

  • Support for small businesses and local entrepreneurs through grants, mentorship programs, and partnerships.

  • Streamlined permitting and regulatory processes to encourage new business startups and expansions.

  • Development of incentives to attract and retain businesses that align with our community values.

• Job Creation

  • Encourage the creation of diverse and sustainable employment opportunities that cater to a range of skill levels and industries.

  • Partner with regional organizations and educational institutions to provide workforce training and skill-building initiatives.

• Sustainable Growth

  • Promote development projects that balance economic advancement with environmental sustainability.

  • Encourage green businesses and technologies to establish a presence in Cross Plains.

• Community-Focused Development

  • Ensure that economic initiatives prioritize the needs and values of residents.

  • Support local businesses through buy-local campaigns and community events that drive commerce.

Measures of Success

To ensure the success of our economic development initiatives, we will use the following metrics:

• Business Growth:

  • Increase in the number of new business registrations or licenses issued annually.

  • Percentage increase in local business revenues or tax contributions.

• Job Creation:

  • Reduction in the unemployment rate among Cross Plains residents.

  • Number of new jobs created annually within the village.

• Sustainable Growth:

  • Percentage of development projects meeting environmental and sustainability criteria.

  • Number of new green-certified or environmentally conscious businesses established.

• Community Impact:

  • Resident satisfaction with economic development efforts, as measured through community surveys.

  • Increase in participation in local business events and buy-local initiatives.

Conclusion

Economic development is about more than just growth; it’s about creating opportunities, fostering resilience, and ensuring that Cross Plains remains a wonderful place to live for generations to come. By focusing on business growth, job creation, sustainability, and community impact, this policy aims to strike a balance that benefits all residents.

I invite you to learn more about this plan, share your thoughts, and work together to build a stronger economic future for Cross Plains.