Economic Development

Last January, I made a to-do list for 2007 and included the creation of a vision statement for economic development in American Fork. That item, as you will see below, can now be checked off my list.

Officially still a draft, this document was created by Economic Development Director Debby Lauret and myself. It is intended to serve as a lens through which the City government may scrutinize its decisions.

This is important to me because I campaigned on this issue. I see the major functions of City government as these: (1) public safety and infrastructure; (2) economic development; and (3) quality of life. When I filed for office, I felt those last two items had been neglected.

Sure, there's the Meadows, a fantastically successful piece of economic development by the previous administration. But the Meadows is all retail, and American Fork needs to diversify its economic base -- as you'll see below.

The statement is reproduced here in its entirety. I see it as the first important step on the path to economic health for American Fork.


Economic Development Vision Statement
American Fork City

Mission. The Economic Development department seeks to enhance the prosperity and quality of life of American Fork residents through attention to three factors which influence the City’s economic development: (1) support of present and prospective business members of American Fork; (2) development of a qualified work force; and (3) promotion of a quality of life that will allow businesses to thrive.

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Philosophy. A healthy business sector with a diversified economy provides a greater variety of career opportunities for residents and provides for residents’ day-to-day needs. It also makes the tax base more resilient to changes in the national economy. American Fork can attract and retain a healthy mix of businesses through careful attention to its business climate.

Objective 1: Create a diversified economy.

• Maintain an inventory of commercially developable properties and buildings in American Fork. Maintain certification in the Utah SURE Sites program. Respond to inquiries in a timely and efficient manner.
• Target specific industries that bring in higher tax revenues, fill gaps in the current market, offer high-quality career opportunities for residents, or thrive in Utah Valley’s high-technology cluster.

Objective 2: Revitalize and maintain the downtown business district.

• Help the downtown, which is perceived as the economic epicenter of the City, to project an attractive and economically vibrant image.
• Maintain infrastructure in good repair, including sidewalks, streetscapes, and parking lots.
• Provide, through City ordinances, for signage conducive to business in a walking environment.
• Encourage the redevelopment of the Harrington School property.
• Provide incentives in the form of a low-interest loan program to attract niche merchants to the downtown.

Objective 3: Provide ongoing nurture and support of local businesses.

• Work to support retention and expansion of existing American Fork businesses.
• Through partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, provide promotional, networking, and training opportunities for area businesses, including the annual production of a business directory.
• Partner with the news media to highlight local businesses.
• Increase patronage of local businesses through support of the cultural tourism industry.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Philosophy. High-quality businesses are powered by a well-educated workforce. American Fork shows its commitment to quality education for both young and life-long learners through its support of educational opportunities at the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary levels, as well as in the trades.

Objective 1: Advance the quality of education.

• Maintain cooperative relations with the Alpine School District and with private elementary and secondary institutions. Support and promote the Utah Scholars program.
• Support Utah Valley State College in its efforts to become a university. Support the expansion of the Mountainland Applied Technology Centers.

Objective 2: Support workforce training programs.

• Support and promote the Utah College of Applied Technology’s Custom Fit program in its mission of providing customized employee training.
• Maintain open relations with the Department of Workforce Services and with LDS Employment Services.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Philosophy. A high quality of life enables the City to attract and retain businesses. Quality of life helps businesses to recruit and retain workers and to project stronger images. Quality infrastructure is an enabling factor in many business transactions.

Objective 1: Provide adequate infrastructure and essential services.

• Work with UDOT, Mountainland Association of Governments, Utah County, and others to provide for transportation needs, including roads and commuter rail. Support appropriate transportation legislation and help to identify funding sources.
• Maintain roads and sidewalks at consistent, high quality.
• Provide or advocate for consistent, high quality utilities, including water, sewer, garbage pick-up, recycling, Internet and power.
• Advocate upgrades at the Timpanogos Special Service District that will eliminate odors on the south side.

Objective 2: Promote quality of life issues that are attractive to prospective businesses and their employees.

• Serve as a resource to the American Fork Arts Council in recommending programs, concerts, and facilities that will stimulate cultural tourism to the area. Facilitate partnerships between the Arts Council and the business community. Help secure sponsorships for festivals, exhibits, and other cultural magnets.
• Support the development of active recreation programs and adequate park facilities.
• Support the work of the Beautification and Shade Tree Committee and the Nuisance Abatement Committee in their efforts to clean up and beautify the City.
• Advocate effective stewardship of the City’s natural resources, including open space, sensitive lands, wetlands and shoreline preservation, and trees.