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AREA OVERVIEW PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES RESOURCES REGIONAL NEEDS VISION AND GOALS EVALUATION PLAN ABOUT GCEDD
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History
In 1986, 12 of the 13 counties in the HGAC region experienced levels of distress sufficient to qualify for designation by the EDA as redevelopment areas. Each of the counties developed their own Overall Economic Development Program, along with their own set of goals and objectives. In 1988, when the Gulf Coast Economic Development District was formed, the regional OEDP consolidated the goals into a unified set of six goals. In 1993, the GCEDD Board held a retreat in which they reviewed the regional goals and objectives. The original six goals were retained, and they continue to be relevant to the regional economic development needs. In 1997, the GCEDD Board inserted an additional goal to incorporate the Title IX Economic Adjustment Strategy activities by targeting distress—both long term and sudden and severe—in our region. This year the GCEDD has revised its goals to more reflect a coordinated effort of local governments, no-profits and development organizations in the 13 county district.
With the advent of the CEDS, the District Board began with a vision statement, which then was articulated by a framework of supporting goals and objectives. The vision and goals have been reworked by the District’s CEDS Committee.
Vision
The Board envisions a healthy regional economy, diversified among a variety of sectors, poised to accommodate economic development of the future, with unprecedented opportunities to the citizens of the Gulf Coast.
In support of this vision, the following four goals were adopted by the District. They are listed by priority, from highest to lowest. In this case, priority has been set based on the District’s abilities rather than on the criticality of the need. The goals provide a sound structure for the activities of the region; and are relevant to the needs identified by the GCEDD Board of Directors.
GOAL 1 Promote coordination among local economic development efforts
1.1 Serve as a regional economic development information clearinghouse.
1.2 Provide technical assistance on economic development programs to local governments, economic development organizations, and qualified businesses.
1.3 Assist with the coordination of identifying problems and solutions for housing, infrastructure.
1.4 Provide a forum for sharing information and discussing issues.
GOAL 2 Advocate economic development projects and programs of benefit to the Gulf Coast region
2.1 Maintain District designation and county eligibility for EDA programs.
2.2 Review and comment on significant local, state, and federal economic development programs.
2.3 Actively support, and assist essential economic development projects and programs within the region.
2.4 Develop additional programs as identified to alleviate gaps in service.
GOAL 3 Facilitate access to relevant economic and business data to support economic development activities
3.1 Facilitate access to data resources for local governments and economic development organizations.
3.2 Facilitate access to information resources for promoting economic development within the region.
GOAL 4 Work to raise awareness of issues affecting quality growth and development across the region
4.1 Raise awareness of environmental issues and participate in the development of recommendations to assist the region on utilizing its environmental assets.
4.2 Raise awareness of housing issues and participate in the development of recommendations to ensure adequate housing for all.
4.3 Raise awareness of regional transportation and accessibility issues.
Action Plan
Based on the structure established by the goals and objectives, the GCEDD has established an enterprising implementation plan. The first section below discusses the major work elements of the District. The second section is the one-year work plan for the district, which is based on the major work elements.
Major Work Elements
The major work elements are composed of the long-term expectations and the short-term activities for the District. The elements are all based on the goals and objectives approved by the District Board and described in the previous chapter. In addition to specific actions, the major work elements also include those quotidian activities that are ongoing and never truly complete.
In addition to the required work elements, the following long term work program has been adopted to clarify, and refine GCEDD’s role and long term visions. The plan is broken down into six essential visions for consideration: Information Clearinghouse, Grant Development, Administration, Financing, Technical Assistance, and CEDS. Each of these visions will be outlined in detail in the following Long Term Work Plan.
I. Information Clearinghouse
Vision: GCEDD is the region’s Economic Development Information Clearinghouse.
Goal: Provide the region’s ED players information and increase their awareness of:
• Best available data pertaining to ED
• Best Practices
• Financial, Technical Assistance, and Information Resources
• Emerging opportunities
Inputs: Contacts, Field Visits, Surveys, Publications, Internet, Conferences, Local Meetings, GCEDD Board/Committees.
Outputs: Website, Newsletter/e-mail/alerts, CEDS, Regional Resource Guide, Other publications, Presentations, ED Org, Roster, GCEDD Board/Committees, Workshops/Roundtables
II. Grant Development
Vision: Consistently lead SW region in EDA funding with quality high profile projects.
Goal: Develop projects internally.
Objective: submit at least one proposal every two years.
Goal: Develop projects within the region
Objectives:
• Establish outreach program and develop relationships with local partners to increase interest.
• Provide TA as appropriate.
Goal: Ensure an effective efficient District review process,
Objectives:
• Develop a formal District review procedure and ensure a quick turnaround, this ensures the district and the EDA increased communication, and collaboration working together to develop strong projects.
Goal: Follow up
Objectives:
• Publicize success, board meetings, develop recognition
• Promote knowledge transfer through tours and write ups, of successful district programs.
• Maintain database of records, maps and other pertinent data.
III. Administration
Vision: GCEDD meets and surpasses all administrative requirements, and the board of directors functions effectively.
Goal: Meet all administrative requirements, and develop a annual GCEDD schedule, to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of district operations.
Objectives:
• Maintain and improve effective budgeting and spending in coordination with GCEDD board and its objectives.
• Maintain physical files in a well organized manner, as well as all original documents and publications.
• Maintain network computer files in a well organized manner
• Maintain and keep updated all mail and e-mail rosters and lists.
• Maintain comprehensive and current Technical Assistance reporting journal.
• Maintain grant compliance and reporting deliverables and applications.
• Develop a comprehensive annual work schedule.
Goal: Increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the GCEDD Board of Directors.
Objectives:
• Develop a clear Board Appointment process.
• Improve minority selection process.
• Develop an info/orientation packet for prospective or new members.
• Refine the officer selection process.
• Develop an annual meeting calendar, include advance mail-out dates, meeting schedules, etc.
• Develop procedure for follow-up mailouts after board meeting, roundtable discussions or other district functions.
IV. Financing
Vision: The District will leverage, broker, create and administer financing programs that effectively create jobs and build wealth.
Goal: Build awareness, increase utilization and expand existing finance programs.
Objectives:
• Develop comprehensive website and other publications detailing existing programs.
• Hold regular roundtable discussions and workshops to increase awareness.
• Network to develop partnerships, increase referrals, broker opportunities.
• Develop a feedback loop to program providers to increase quality assurance.
• Expand successful programs in Houston region-wide.
V: Technical Assistance
Vision: Develop an efficient “hands-on” technical assistance program.
Goal: Effective Outreach
Objectives:
• Planner makes at least one visit to each community every three years.
• Maintain and improve communication with major allies.
Goal: Effective, Strategic TA service
Objectives:
• Identify priorities, and provide TA service to at least three communities annually.
• Provide TA as appropriate on EDA or other grants.
• Partner with HUD and or other programs to leverage TA capabilities in the region.
• Establish an effective means of referral of TA services.
VI: CEDS
Vision: Develop a model program for CEDS development through an efficient inclusive process.
Goal: Maximize local input
Objectives:
• CEDS committee
• E-survey
• Expand review time
Goal: Develop a product that is relevant to all district communities.
Objectives:
• Develop a district-wide running grants list.
• Provide miniature plans targeting regional efforts within the district.
One Year Work Program
The work plan for the next year has been approved by the GCEDD Board of Directors. The specific tasks originated with the long-term and short-term elements listed above. While the District has elected to be accountable for the following items, the work will be the responsibility of the HGAC staff. Due to staff limitations, however, the District will evaluate the viability of establishing project subcommittees to oversee and execute some of the more intensive work elements, such as the implementation of an intensive technical assistance program.
I. Mandatory work elements.
A. Make needs assessments for all counties and for all cities large enough to have economic development programs. The needs assessment should identify barriers to economic development for that sub-area. Final product is a published report.
B. Make an environmental survey of the district. The survey should include environmentally sensitive issues and areas in your region, which could impede or constrain economic development projects. The information should be in sufficient detail to develop economic development policies and work elements that might constrain potential economic development projects. Final product is a published report.
C. Establish or sustain an Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The process must include an CEDS report and monitoring of plan implementation, changes in the economy, and work program. Final product is published CEDS report and copies of minutes in progress reports.
D. Monitoring and approving work elements is the responsibility of the CEDS Committee. The CEDS Committee must be involved in developing the detail to be included in each work element and in the evaluation of staff accomplishments in implementing each work element. These meetings should be held at least once every two months. The committee should give the staff guidance and priority in implementing work program. Final product is progress reports. Copies of the minutes of these meetings should be part of the progress report.
E. Coordinate economic development planning and implementation with other economic development organizations affecting the area, especially EDA funded grantees such as state and urban planning grantees, adjoining economic development districts, and university centers. Final product is progress report showing number of meetings district’s staff had with these groups.
F. Meet EDA's energy conservation requirements. Developing methods for ensuring that economic development planning process provides a means for addressing energy concerns and principles, and performing any economic development related energy conservation programs.
G. Performing planning grant management requirements. Preparing progress reports required in grant. These reports should follow the work program approved in grant, and should show specific accomplishments. The progress reports should only included items that were accomplished using EDA planning grant funds. Reports should be six to twelve pages in length. Other administrative functions required by grant contract, or function necessary to manage the planning grant.
II. Additional work elements.
A. Perform activities necessary to maintain the CEDS process
B. Network with economic development organizations and other groups to implement CEDS recommendations
C. Maintain current information on federal, state, and local economic development programs. Special emphasis will be placed on EDA programs.
D. Provide staff support to develop and monitor projects and programs that will increase economic development opportunities within the District. Priority will be placed on developing EDA programs.
E. Provide technical assistance for capital improvement programs for member agencies, industrial parks, land use regulations, bond elections, district committees and subcommittees, and cities and counties.
F. Provide training and workshops to local governments, economic development groups, and businesses.
G. Coordinate and network with agencies and businesses located outside the District that can provide benefits for the District’s economic development program.
III. Special projects.
A. Develop a process for providing adaptive technical assistance to communities.
B. Enhance the existing GCEDD website to provide more useful information on District activities and general economic development information.
C. Develop new edition of Regional Resource Guide, modifying it as necessary to make it more useful to regional economic development professionals.
D. Develop an emergency assistance inventory of resources.
Comments or questions about GCEDD.org Web Site? Please submit your comments and/or questions to phorton@h-gac.com
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