Share your thoughts on the changing economy in county

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a series of articles to highlight the different sessions that will be held during the “State of the Community” County-Wide Conference on March 14. The conference is sponsored by the Richland County Planner Office, City/County Planning Board and the Richland County Health Department.

By Stacey Schmitt

AmeriCorps* VISTA

Economic growth and change in the town of Fairview, the city of Sidney and in Richland County has been occurring over the past several years. The Planner Office, Planning Board and Richland County Health Department noticed how the economy continues to change and grow, and how the communities have begun to respond to these changes.

The upcoming “State of the Community” County-Wide Conference will provide everyone an opportunity to take a look at what has been done in the past and to discuss future plans for each community. There will be two sessions during the conference that will be dedicated to discussing the economy of Richland County.

The first economic session will focus on building a sustainable economic base. The topics for this session will include: developing an economy to keep the small town charm and big town services, coordination of economic development with land use, infrastructure; resources, and community values; and taking a look at per-capita income, unemployment and susceptibility to poverty.

The second economic session will focus on infrastructure and economic growth. Topics to be discussed during this session include: improving the town’s base of funding for capital improvements and infrastructure to expand the economy; safeguarding the allocation of oil taxes, balancing current oil revenue expenditure between current needs and long term projects; and identifying and quantifying the county’s resources needed to attract major new industry.

Each session will be conducted by a conference facilitator providing ample opportunity for everyone to share their thoughts and goals for Richland County. For more information on the “State of the Community” County-Wide Conference or these topics, or to register for the conference, please contact Stacey Schmitt at the County Planner’s Office at 433-6975 or sschmitt@richland.org. You may also register by visiting the Web site at http://www.richland.org/planning.