Four leaders of local governments in Clark County said Monday that maintaining strategic plans, building infrastructure and recruiting new industries are all keys to growing vibrant communities.
To achieve those long-term objectives, however, you have to recognize where improvement is needed and be willing to change course to get things done, they said.
Decades ago, the city of Camas got nervous because it saw that it was “too reliant” on the paper mill for its tax base, said Mayor Scott Higgins. So the city established new land-use policies and recruited new businesses and, over the years and through various leaders, has successfully diversified its economy.
“We knew it was important to develop infrastructure,” he said.
Higgins delivered his remarks as part of a panel discussion held during the Columbia River Economic Development Council’s fourth-quarter luncheon at the Heathman Lodge in Vancouver. More than 200 people attended Monday’s panel discussion, which focused on the value of creating and carrying out strategic plans.
Higgins was joined by fellow panelists Todd Coleman, CEO of the Port of Vancouver; Chad Eiken, director of community and economic development for the city of Vancouver; and Steve Stuart, city manager for Ridgefield.
Each panelist gave a presentation and responded to questions from the audience.
Eiken described Vancouver’s long-term vision to revitalize Esther Short Park and the surrounding area. For guidance, the city established a “community resource panel,” Eiken said, and the vision eventually expanded from five city blocks to 30. And the city also recognized the need for public investment “to get the private sector to come to the table,” he said.
Asked about the point at which local governments should involve the public in strategic planning, Eiken said you have to include the public early on in the process if you want to achieve “long-term buy-in.”
Stuart said it’s an ongoing struggle to involve the public in long-term planning because, at that level, the subject matter is often “esoteric and abstract.” A higher level of involvement occurs when a specific project is at stake, he said.
Stuart said the various strategic plans he and his fellow panelists now “have the fun” of putting into action were launched and maintained years ago by others who preceded them. What’s important now, he said, is to stay focused on carrying out those plans. “You have to have discipline on your vision to see it through,” Stuart said.
