Download
1 / 26
260 likes | 263 Views
Join us for a series of sessions to discuss the current state of Cumberland County, envision its future, and create a plan to get there. Topics include technology, economic development, community engagement, and infrastructure improvements.
E N D
TAKE CHARGE… in Cumberland County March 20, 27, and April 3, 2003 Prepared by Jon F. Johnson, Area Specialist VCE
Meeting One: WHERE ARE WE NOW? March 20, 2003
Lots of Group Work and Brainstorming…
Reporting the Strengths in Cumberland… • Public Parks • Youth Activities • Strong Technology Training in Schools • Diversity of Churches • Good Work Ethic
Reporting on the Weaknesses in Cumberland… • Low numbers of manufacturing industries to generate revenue (20) • Few employment opportunities (13) • Lack of job skills (9) • Inadequate space for student enrollment (8)
Lack of leadership (6) Low college enrollments (6) High/middle school complex (6) Secondary roads (6) Sludge being spread in the county (6) No school agricultural or vocational training (6) Low high school graduation rates (4) People resisting change (4) No public water supply (4) High Poverty (3) Weaknesses
WHERE DO WE WANT TO BE? March 27, 2003
Our Dream for Cumberland in 2020 • Regional industrial park • Airport expansion • By-pass around courthouse with pedestrian access to courthouse complex • Historic colonial style facades on business in Cumberland Courthouse area (building code) • Broadband access and improved technological infrastructure throughout county
Our Dream for Cumberland in 2020 • Land use planning for housing development, recreational areas and facilities, services, and promote controlled development (i.e. Bear Creek Lake, recreation/wellness center in Cumberland Courthouse area, grocery store, and shopping areas) • Public water and sewer throughout the county
Our Dream for Cumberland in 2020 • Fire and rescue services at John Randolph Community Center • Promotion of festivals, antique shows, outdoor concerts, etc. • Health care facilities (hospitals, nursing and retirement homes) • Reservoir in the northern portion of the county • New high/middle school(s)
Our Dream for Cumberland in 2020 • Public golf courses • Development of horse industry • Zoning for large lots and homes • Visitor’s Center • Water Parks
Working Together to Get There! • Each slice of the cake represents everyone’s contribution to create the whole picture for Cumberland County. • Sharing your perspective makes YOU the TOPs!
Summary of Outcomes • Greater use of local newspapers, churches, bulletins in local stores, radio, and development of an online community website to increase awareness of public appointments and request for civic participation. • Utilize the TOP initiative to develop a community technology plan that can be shared with local leaders and planners.
Summary of Outcomes • Utilize technology and technology planning as a component for economic growth and retention of existing business. • Recognize that successful economic and social growth is a step by step building process. • Use the community website as mechanism to improve communication among citizens and local leaders.
Summary of Outcomes • Refine the business survey of local businesses using computer and the Intranet to include information of residential usage. • Distribute the survey through the student population of the county school system. • Prepare for grant funding opportunities that pay for infrastructure improvements.
Summary of Outcomes • Economic development is analogous to a shopping mall. • Anchor stores (components) are needed to support and pull-in other businesses into the mall. • Technology and other infrastructure can act as the connection between “anchor stores” and people ( the local economy) to make the vision a reality.
Summary of Outcomes • Citizens must work together! • Participation with the Cumberland County Technology Leadership Team (TLT) • Contribution to the development of the community website • Staying involved!
