The first and most important step in securing our future is to place the goal of increasing private sector jobs and economic activity at the top of the priority list alongside public safety. That is the only way we can prosper without regressive taxes and fees. Things that have the attention of leadership usually get done.
The economic program has to be visible and actively supported. I will recommend we form an energized city/county/private sector steering committee to run the program and report to the public frequently. It will be their job to set strategic goals, remove barriers, identify and support opportunities, encourage uniform procedures, and recommend the necessary reforms to public agencies.
We must streamline by reducing the cost and speeding the development process – those willing to invest in the area deserve cost-efficient and timely decisions. Anyone can submit a wish list; the real key to success is putting together the organization and leadership that will do the work. Doing this right will cost some money up front, but it will pay large dividends in the end. That is why I propose using about 30 percent of Measure E funds to support an economic activity program. It is an investment in the future, not just expenses today.
Proactively promote the region: Show people what we have to offer and tailor that for the audience.
Stop job losses: We have lost many private employers over the last dozen years. We have to stop those losses using federal, state, and local assets; unemployed residents have a negative economic impact. We love new businesses, but existing businesses are not getting the attention and support they deserve.
Inventory key infrastructure and economic assets: This will help potential employers find the right locations and identify our strengths. We must search for anti-seasonal employers who are busy when agriculture is slack because our local employment is highly seasonal.
Healthcare: Public and private employers have large investments in healthcare, we should offer in-county programs that consolidate those services and keep them here. This would reduce costs to employers making them more competitive, reduce out-of-pocket costs to employees providing more disposable income, and create more local jobs.
Social and entertainment: We need to encourage social and entertainment venues especially for the area’s young adults and we need well-managed special events. These large potential markets will not just share customers; they will generate new activity.
Pass-through and related local businesses: Solve the transportation issues with Highway 156. Encourage business that will cater to Hollister Hills, the wineries, and the Pinnacles. We need another chain motel because many travelers prefer chains. More visitors result is more hotel occupancy taxes. Put up signs that will direct traffic off the highways to local businesses and attractions.
Implement the Westside Plan: beautify that area and clean up all around town. Clean up the roads and empty lots by code enforcement and beautify. Get businesses and local organization to help and adopt roads. Get rid of illegal vendors and illegal flea markets that devalue property.
The City Center: Put an inside-outside open structure on the 400 block as an entrance to the area; develop businesses around the courthouse where there will be foot traffic.
Housing: Balance our housing inventory with more middle income to higher income regular and senior housing. It also means enabling private transportation links – like shuttle services – to regional airports.
Reconfigure Downtown: Work with Gavilan to show them the advantages of being in the heart of the community. San Benito Street and its traffic form physical and psychological barriers for shoppers. We should consider a walking mall with bike path connections to a nearby Y or similar community center so the kids have a safe and productive place to go when the adults are shopping. Capitalize on the open space and great weather.
Modify commercial impact fees to make sense: Many of those are counterproductive. They tend to stifle development and the money can be restricted for decades. We need unrestricted income that automatically adjusts for ongoing inflation and that comes in on a regular basis. Impact fees generate none of those, but economic activity does.
Those are just a few ideas. The steering committee must encourage, investigate, and implement ideas from the entire community. We have to attack this broad problem on a broad front; all the issues are related. When it comes to economic security, we are all in it together.
