Economic plan unveiling

The Carson City Economic Vitality Strategic Plan will be unveiled tonight, the culmination of six months of work by more than 50 community volunteers.

The Economic Strategic Planning Committee -- consisting of Carson City residents, government officials, educators, real estate representatives, plus business owners, developers and consultants -- will meet to discuss the details of the plan with the public at 7 tonight in the Brewery Arts Center Ballroom, 449 W. King St.

"We created a work plan that will be updated annually," said city economic development consultant Charles Long. "The question is, if the community will put the time into making that plan happen."

With community support, the plan could gradually but "fundamentally change Carson City's approach to economic development," states the plan preface.

To scrutinize the economic climate in Carson City and come up with solutions, the Economic Strategic Planning Committee divided into three task forces -- the Corridor Strategies Committee, the Downtown Committee and the Economic Development Committee. Members have been meeting every two weeks since January.

The committees' goals involved developing cooperative relationships within the region and between different economic sectors; achieving economic, physical and aesthetic revitalization of downtown; targeting existing and emerging economic sectors; and attracting investment along the highway corridors.

The 35 pages of detailed objectives address such varied topics as downtown parking, enhancing the city's historical heritage, capitalizing on the possibilities in alternative energy, and incentives for business retention.

"A lot of this is stuff we should be doing on an ongoing basis," Long said.

The plan recommends formation of an Economic Vitality Coalition, staffed through a $25,000 contract with Western Nevada Community College, to ensure follow-through and accountability to the plan.

"Carson City is going to be faced with some intractable circumstances," Long continued. "The circumstances are going to victimize Carson City. We can't just wait to see what's going to happen. We need to be involved in managing our future."

For the next several months, the committee will be seeking endorsements from the public and various community groups with an interest in the economy of Carson City.

IF YOU GO

What: Economic vitality plan

When: 7 tonight

Where: Brewery Arts Center, 449 W. King St.