Economic plan needs public support

Patrick Anderson says a recently developed economic plan drafted for Carson City was not created by a clandestine group behind closed doors for the benefit of a few.

To the contrary, the plan -- which Anderson said is "extremely relevant to everyone who lives in this area"-- was drafted over six months by about 60 community volunteers working in one of three committees: economic development, corridors and downtown.

On Thursday, the economic vision plan the volunteers labored over will be presented to the public in a two-hour town hall meeting. It's a vision document of how Carson City can create a stable economic future for itself. All that is needed, said Anderson, chairman of the coalition's public outreach committee, is for residents to buy into the plan and take ownership.

"Our effort really is focused on trying to not only secure the city's long-term fiscal heath, but also focus on the community's economic health," Anderson said. "That means bringing quality jobs other than retail jobs that will allow people to "move up the economic ladder."

It means convincing people to support education and asking people to participate in future economic planning processes among dozens of other tasks.

The economic plan will champion -- in coming months and years --community economic development, community partnerships, regional cooperation and development downtown and in the highway 50 and 395 commercial corridors.

"Short of begging, we're really seriously asking you to come out and participate in your local government," Anderson said.

The plan can be viewed on the city's Web site, www.carson-city.nv.us/economicdevelopment. Also on the site is a questionnaire economic development planners hope Carson residents will fill out either online or at the town hall meeting.

Carson City supervisors will consider endorsing the plan Sept. 19.

IF YOU GO

What: Economic Vitality Strategic Plan town hall meeting

When: 7-9 p.m. Thursday

Where: Sierra Room of the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.

Review the economic plan on the Web: www.carson-city.nv.us/economicdevelopment