Economic development: Farmington’s groundwork started in 2012

Talk about it

The city of Farmington is kicking off a new economic development plan this month, one that hopefully will bring new commercial and industrial business to the community.

But a lot of the groundwork for the plan was laid in 2012, thanks to the work of Farmington city planner Lee Smick, the Economic Development Authority, and Farmington business owners who gave input on the process.

Last February, the EDA approved an Economic Development Strategic Plan, which included priorities, action steps and goals. Over the past year, a total of 18 of those goals were achieved, which helped to set up the next phase being enacted in 2013.

Among the accomplishments of 2012 are:

• A policy for a “business friendly” approach at EDA meetings

• A partnership with the Farmington Business Association on a number of issues

• The new GROW Farmington campaign, with the slogan “Buy, Live, Local”

• A review of Farmington’s business incentives program

• A collaboration with the MCCD “Open to Business” program to help potential business owners realize success in opening a new business.

Tags: local government, news, farmington, business, community