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Economic Plan for DerbySmart & Sustainable Planning For a New Derbv Economv

The large heavy industrial factories that once powered Derby's local economy are long goneand city leaders have never properly created an intelligent strategic plan for a new Derby economy,We need a pro-active Mayor who works with citizens, business leaders, and community developmentexperts to create a broad strategic vision to empower small business growth for Derby's long termfuture. Election year announcements must be replaced by an emphasis on good jobs for local citizens.Smart planning starts with a precise inventory of Derby's assets and then creating economicopportunities and challenges.,/ INVENTORY economic assets including geographic location, transportationcrossroads & infrastructure, rail service, local job skills, governmentalrelationships and other critical factors,/ REVIEW city's inertia in embracing emerging American growth economies atlocal levels in healthcare services, technology and green practices,/ EXAMINE how Derby can take economic advantage of proximity to 3outstanding hospitals including world class teaching hospital,/ PLAN for a sustainable downtown that attracts people to live and work

Private sector investment requires government honesty, efficiency and ease in navigating themaze of local regulatory permitting, taxation and access to municipal services. The current City Hallhas never created a city website for the use of its own citizens and potential private investors. Further,there is little transparency and efficiency in learning where one goes when trying to create or expandbusiness. Derby is behind the times and this must be changed.

,/ CREATE a City of Derby website within 3O days of taking office to informcitizens and private investors of all government meetings, regulatoryrequirements, permitting steps and business growth efficiency,/ REFORM the current piecemeal approach to working with private investmentby consolidating all economic development activities into a single "one stopshopping" economic development office which reports directly to the Mayor

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,/ DEVELOP a "Step by Step Guide to Growing a Business in Derby and displaythis guide on the new city website, at public buildings including the libraries andwith business organizations,/ BUNDLE and resetl empty and demolished parcels for private infilldevelopment with performance requirements for occupancy and stabilize existingdowntown neighborhoods using existing demolition funds to acquire properties asthey become available

Partner With Small Business to Promote GrowthThe City of Derby must clear the red tape and inefficiency that currently creates obstacles to

economic arowth. Businesses that are start-ups or are relocating must be confident that the City willpartner with them by creating a step by step guide to growing a small business in Derby. That guide andprocess must be the main feature of the new City of Derby website.,/ ADOPT the most effective local business friendly policies practiced by smalltowns which are creating local economic successes. Recruit local universities andstate economic officials and the private sector to identify those policies in theplanning stage,/ MANAGE the new single contact point for small businesses seeking guidanceon local permitting, departmental contacts, fees and other local requirements,/ COORDINATE efforts to help local business with multiple federal and stateagencies, technical assistance, financing, loan and tax credit incentives,/ PARTNER with state and federal legislative offices to navigate efficientlythrough government agencies and departments to accelerate business growth inDerby

Derby must market its convenient Fairfield County connection and put incentives inplace that will attract private investment from smaller and more numerous high qualitydevelopers. The city must avoid continuing to put all of its economic eggs in one basket byworking together with investors to construct one or two buildings at a time, encouragingexisting businesses to reinvest in themselves, slowly creating a new street grid south ofMain Street and connecting downtown with the riverfront.,/ CAPITALIZE on Derby's key position as a transportation crossroads,/ EXPAND Derby/Shelton Train Station into Transit Center and petitionGovernor for increased rail service to and from Fairfield County

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,/ IMPLEMENT the principles of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) bybuilding attractive higher density rental housing and condos around Transit Centercreating the need for small businesses and reducing dependency on motorvehicles,/ ESTABLISH Revolving Loan Fund to subsidize rehabilitation of Derby's stockof 1 & 2 family Victorian homes by urban homesteaders

Make the Derbv Downtown Vibrant AqainDerby's historic downtown area must be restored to its historic role as an economiccenter with policies make smart use of public for walking, gathering, shopping and working.Building another "big box" retailer with its back to the river is far off the mark. The citymust increase the economic value of downtown by encouraging diverse business growthsuitable to the unique needs of our particular marketplace.

\/ IMPLEMENT the CT Main Street Center Program with its four point approachusing organization, promotion, design and downtown economic restructuring,/ CAPITALIZE on Reconstruction of Main Street to include new pedestrianwalkways connected to a riverfront Public Plaza,/ DECIDE to get the city out of the real estate business and sell City landsouth of Main Street in smaller development parcels to private developers withemphasis on smart use of space, high quality design and implementation and longterm commitment,/ RECONNECT downtown businesses and the public with the riverfront andShelton with walking and biking investments and make the entire areawalkable with amenities at the riverfront