Marin Voice: Supervisor, mayor plan for economic vitality amid pandemic recovery
There is a unique sense of place to Marin, a small-town charm that brings families together and the outdoors downtown.
Nowhere else can you enjoy a bike ride along the bay and a warm cup of coffee at your favorite mom-and-pop cafe before making your way west past the rolling hills and redwood giants to enjoy dinner and the sunset on the Pacific coastline.
Each city and town play a part in weaving the tapestry that makes Marin so appealing. Our economy reflects this vibrancy.
Marin has diverse businesses in ranching, agriculture, biotech, manufacturing, personal services, health and wellness, restaurants and retail, as well as regional and international tourism. Marin County’s economy is coming back. We face an important question: How can we partner together to promote equity, sustainability and shared community values?
We encourage everyone to shop local and enjoy time downtown and outdoors. Marinites supported our local business during the COVID-19 pandemic and we need to continue.
According to a 2012 survey by Civic Economics, approximately 47.7% of revenue from independent retailers is recirculated in the local economy, as opposed to 13.6% for national chains. For restaurants, approximately 64.9% of revenue from independent restaurants recirculates in the local economy.
Our cities and towns have joined other communities to de-emphasize parking in our streetscapes and give new prominence to outdoor seating and repurposed streets to facilitate outdoor dining. These first steps and lessons learned can guide new and inviting social infrastructure, outdoor spaces that offer good food, company and conversation, in a way that supports businesses and remains publicly accessible.
Projects like Reimagining Creek Park in San Anselmo are a good example. Creek Park began as a flood mitigation effort. But, with a dose of creative thinking, the plans made way to include an inviting community space. This natural asset revitalizes the local economy and supports small businesses.
Throughout the pandemic, public and private partners have come together through the Marin Economic Recovery Task Force to respond to the economic crisis. A key focus of the task force is state and federal advocacy to address policy and bring funding to the local level.https://089c1f91205e7f2001341b52b54c6900.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html
Working with the Marin Economic Forum, the county has received $130,820 in federal dollars to fund an Economic Vitality Strategic Plan.
Marin is finalizing the formation of a 15-member steering committee to help guide the economic vitality strategic plan. The committee will have a range of representation including elected officials, public and private sector leaders.
We know we need to focus on creating a business climate that attracts and retains businesses. We can promote a vibrant and dynamic labor market by investing in human capital through upskilling opportunities like apprenticeships for a post-pandemic economy. Marin also has a robust pool of entrepreneurs who can provide a wealth of knowledge and creative energy.
The Workforce Alliance of the North Bay (WANB) provides job training and employment services making our businesses more accessible and job seekers more marketable. In March, WANB approved a contract with Equus as the career service provider in Marin, Napa, Lake and Mendocino counties. This change will bring a coordinated and regional strategic approach to job training and employment services and deepen employment partnerships.
What does success look like? We can start by finding solutions to long-standing issues like reliable and affordable child care, meeting aging workforce needs and incorporating an equity lens in workforce recruitment and retention. A healthy economy means providing opportunities for everyone.
As we start the planning process we look forward to your participation in the civic dialogue. With a strategic planning grant at hand, and significant one-time federal and state dollars available, the opportunity to positively influence Marin’s business climate, our downtowns and social spaces is within our grasp.
There is a unique opportunity to formulate a new cohesive vision for Marin.
Damon Connolly is a Marin County supervisor and co-chairs the Marin Economic Recovery Task Force. Brian Colbert is mayor of San Anselmo and a co-founder on the Marin County Council of Mayors and Councilmembers Economic Recovery Committee.
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