Town of Summerville Planning Area - BCD Council of Governments

Economic Development Goals, Objectives, and StrategiesEconomic development is a long‐term process of change in how people earn a living and conduct business inthe community. The goals of economic development are generally: more and better jobs, a growing taxbase, the reduction of poverty, a more stable and diversified economic base, and improved public services.EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIESHistorically, the Summerville Planning Area has not provided a large number or variety of employmentopportunities for its residents. Summerville is located at the edge of the metro Charleston region, limitingthe desire for employers to locate away from employment centers that are more centrally located. AsSummerville grows and further develops, more emphasis should be placed on locating regional offices, lightindustries, and employment opportunities that better reflect the skillsets of potential employees residingwithin the Summerville Planning Area.Goal: Seek to increase employment opportunities and increase wage base.Goal: Encourage diversification of the local economic base by attracting new offices and manufacturingfirms while encouraging and facilitating the expansion of existing firms in the community.Objective: Create an atmosphere that encourages businesses to succeed in Summerville.STRATEGY PARTNERS IMPLEMENTATIONTOOLS FUNDING PRIORITY TIMELINECoordinate with County EconomicDevelopment Departments, theChamber of Commerce, regional, andstate agencies for promoting industrial,office, and commercial recruitmentand expansion.Town Staff, TownCouncil, Regionaland LocalEconomicDevelopmentAgencies,Chamber ofCommerce,Retail MarketStudy,ComprehensivePlanGeneralFundHighOn‐goingContinue and increase the interactionbetween local government leaders andthe business and industry community.D.R.E.A.M., Areachambers ofcommerce withcooperation byTown Council andTown StaffComprehensivePlanGeneralFundHighOn‐goingEconomic Development Element Page 28