Public Private Partnership Brings Benefits to Arlington Mill Founders Square Project Approved to Replace Ballston Bus Yards Arlington Gov't Satisfaction Rated 29% Over National Average

July 2008

in this issue From the Director Public Private Partnerships Add Value to Arlington   The Crane's View Residence Inn Courthouse   Company Spotlight Corporate Executive Board   Events Fuel Cells - Unlimited Clean Energy sponsored by Cafe Scientifique   EDC Unveils New Strategic Plan   Arlington's Economic Development Commission Embarks on Bold New Initiatives in its Framework For Prosperity Appointed by the Arlington County Board to "aggressively formulate and recommend to the County Board a continuing economic development policy for Arlington which utilizes market forces in creative ways," the 25 members of the Economic Development Commission (EDC) embarked on the first ever county-wide economic development strategy for Arlington in 2006. The idea for such a strategy was a straightforward plan with two parts that address long term and short term horizons. The resulting Framework for Prosperity has four all-encompassing goals that articulate at the highest level the desired economic development outcomes for a successful community, followed by strategic initiatives that will identify achievable concepts and motivate the community to take action. An associated Annual Action Plan will include specific workplan elements that further the goals and strategic initiatives. The EDC will use this strategic plan to strengthen its partnership with the County Board, to create opportunities for regular communication with the Board regarding the County's progress on current strategies, activities and issues, to assess the need to revise strategies as appropriate, and to guide the EDC's efforts throughout the year. Going forward, the EDC has proposed that the Framework for Prosperity be used to formally engage business leaders from key sectors in Arlington's economy, creating opportunities for greater understanding and partnerships with Arlington's elected and community leaders. Such a forum would be used to support the County's efforts to identify, evaluate and respond to economic development challenges and opportunities, to develop effective programs and activities, and to enhance Arlington's desirability as a superior place to live, work and visit. For more information about the EDC Strategic Plan, contact Cindy Richmond, AED Deputy Director via email or call 703-228-0840.