The Economic Development Element is part of the General Plan. It provides a written framework for meeting the economic goals of the City. The Santa Maria Community Development Department drafted the Economic Development Element, which reflects substantial research and effort to produce an effective policy document for the decision-makers of the City. The Economic Element also serves as an informational document to the residents of the community, prospective residents, businesses, and developers. This document’s preparation coincided with preparation of the Housing Element of the General Plan because jobs-housing balance remains a critical component of a diverse, growing community. Economic Development is aimed at creating and retaining jobs and providing a stable tax base. The document details the interrelated entities that are working together to advance economic development. The Santa Maria Public Airport has a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ). The City operates a Facade Rebate and Loan Program, and a Community Development Block Grant Economic Development Program Revolving Loan Fund to help create employment opportunities. Many other facets of the community are detailed. The Economic Development Element is 78 pages and is 2.11 MB. Click here to read the document. |