Slide 1

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Information in Hand

Indicators of Success

Potential Negative Consequences

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Slide 2

Working Definition:

Economic development is “the deliberate effort to improve the economy of a specified geographical area.”

Source: Stewart E. Perry, Canadian Centre for Community Renewal

Plan Element:

Economic Development

Definition

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Slide 3

Area Today

Unemployment rate significantly higher compared to city as a whole

(9.1 Median % vs. 5.9%)

Median household income is lower compared to city as a whole

($21,204 vs. $30,981)

High school graduation similar to city as a whole, but only half as many bachelor’s degrees (7% vs. 14%)

Twice as many people are under the poverty level compared

to city as a whole (36% vs. 18%)

Occupations are diverse.

Median value of owner-occupied homes is lower than median for city

as a whole.

Median gross rent is lower than for city as a whole.

Great majority of land is privately owned (73%)

Plan Element:

Economic Development

Existing Conditions

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Slide 4

Big Economic Development Ideas for Area:

More services for people in area, including residents, employees,

and visitors

Increase jobs

Attract more skilled workers

Provide vocational training programs

Promote tourism

Have diversity of businesses to support many levels of income development

Identify ways to support and encourage small businesses

Provide vocational training programs

Increase awareness of existing resources for business

Address issues with City permitting process and fees

Plan Element:

Economic Development

Visioning Sessions

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Slide 5

General Findings:

n Population expected to increase another 38% by 2030. Suggests future demand for all types of housing, including smaller housing types, which are expected to become more prevalent.

n Job base is expected to continue to grow, generating additional demand for office development, as well as retail space.

n Tucson attracts travelers, making it a prime hotel location, and there is expected to be an ongoing strong hotel demand.

Plan Element:

Economic Development

Market Analysis

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Slide 6

Area Strategic Recommendations:

Revitalization efforts should focus on activity center near Pima Community College.

Housing should be the initial focus of revitalization efforts.

Commercial development opportunities will increase as residential development occurs and the local population grows.

To enhance the financial feasibility of new development, zoning in the OARP area should encourage mid-rise densities along major corridors.

Plan Element:

Economic Development

Market Analysis

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Slide 7

Area Recommendations cont.:

n Consider various incentives to encourage desired development, such as density bonuses for projects that include mixed uses, income-restricted affordable housing, community facilities, etc.

ν Increased transit connections can enhance development opportunities.

Streetscape and landscaping improvements can enhance the pedestrian environment and property values.

The City’s efforts to enhance code enforcement and improve security through crime prevention should continue to be a high priority throughout the OARP area.

Plan Element:

Economic Development

Market Analysis

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Slide 8

Plan Element:

Economic Development

Indicators of Success

What would be some indicators of

successful economic development

in the OARP Area?

Your thoughts?

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Slide 9

Plan Element:

Economic Development

Indicators of Success

What would be some indicators of successful economic development in the OARP Area?

March 12 Brown Bag participants responses:

Positive changes in census statistics - median income, education, median housing price, etc.

More money being spent in the area.

More jobs and readily available information about available jobs in the area.

More available training and more trained workers.

Jobs that allow people who are re-entering the community a chance to be productive

Mix of residential and office

Sustainability over time (evolving as demands change)

Little more high tech

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Slide 10

Plan Element:

Economic Development

Indicators of Success

What would be some indicators of successful economic development in the OARP Area?

Brown Bag responses cont.

Higher end retail, entertainment, and restaurants

Tourist destination

Existing businesses and motels still going, but even more successfully

Property maintained throughout area

Upgraded and well maintained infrastructure and attractive streetscapes

Parking successfully addressed

Development density increased

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Slide 11

Plan Element:

Economic Development

Potential Consequences

Could there be potential negative

consequences of economic development

for the OARP area?

Your thoughts?

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Slide 12

Plan Element:

Economic Development

Potential Consequences

Could there be potential negative consequences of economic development for the OARP area?

March 12 Brown Bag participants responses:

Gentrification

Definition - “the process of renewal accompanying the influx of middle-class people into deteriorating areas that often displaces earlier, often lower-income, residents

“Non-complementary” uses (e.g., trucks from businesses in neighborhoods)

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Slide 13

Plan Element:

Economic Development

Final Thought

EVERYTHING IS INTERTWINED

Successful economic development appears contingent on success in addressing many of the other elements of the OARP plan, including:

Land Use

Transportation

Urban Design

Public Services and Facilities

Housing

Public Safety

Education

Arts

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