World-Class Business Infrastructure
The landscape for economic development is incomplete without effective government that understands its role in creating a fertile environment for commerce. The Rockford Region has room to accommodate growth, but there is also significant need to improve our infrastructure planning, our inventory of construction-ready sites for business and our incentive and regulatory environment.
We must improve the “product” of the region in order to compete in today’s global marketplace.
Comprehensive Plan for Growth.
In order to achieve a sustainable, high-quality lifestyle and economic vitality, good community planning is essential. Thoughtful preparation must be given to appropriate land use, with set-asides for commercial, industrial, residential and recreational areas. Effective infrastructure planning to support business and families is needed. We will work with local and county governments to promote coordinated comprehensive planning across jurisdictions.
Competitive Commercial and Industrial Properties.
We will increase our knowledge of the real estate requirements in our target industries, working with governments, developers and real estate professionals to provide competitive property choices with the infrastructure onsite to support business needs. We will work closely with partners to ensure that available sites and buildings are effectively promoted.
Continuous Improvement in Client Services.
We will work with local governments to provide more seamless, responsive service to business clients and site selectors.
Prudent Incentive Policies and Business-Friendly Regulation.
We will strive for continuous improvement in these areas, monitoring the competition to ensure our business environment and incentive policy is attractive and achieves the desired impact.
Infrastructure Links to Chicago and the World.
We will promote the Rockford Region’s connectivity to advance the movement of people, goods and information to enhance our global appeal.
Proposed 5-Year Budget: $825,000
Performance Measures:
- Significantly increase the amount of development-ready parcels by 2012
- Increase client exposure of the Rockford Region’s assets