Economic Development
Promoting the economic vitality of Douglas County is one of four strategic priorities embraced by the County’s five-member Board of Commissioners.
The Board believes that "the proper mix of economic development increases the number of jobs, tax base, purchasing power, diversity, and the availability of goods and services," and that "a vibrant economy benefits the whole community by providing the means to meet public service obligations and expectations."
Economic Development is a team effort in Douglas County. Staff from the Manager’s Office and Community Development Department team together with the Northern Nevada Development Authority (NNDA), the Nevada Small Business Development Center (NSBDC) and the local Chambers of Commerce to promote business retention and expansion for existing County businesses, and relocation of new businesses to Douglas County. NNDA also works with neighboring rural counties on economic development activities. For more information on neighboring counties visit their site.
Economic Vitality Action Planning Taking Place During 2010
The Board of County Commissioners listed "Developing an Economic Vitality Action Plan" as a priority objective for the County at a recent strategic planning session. During the past decade several excellent economic development plans were completed by Douglas County and its economic development partners. These studies recommend nearly 600 different goals, objectives, and strategies. At the same time, nearly every study is consistent in expressing the community's desire for Douglas County to strike a balance among community vitality, environmental quality, economic prosperity, cultural expressions and social equality.
The beginning of a new decade provides an excellent opportunity to inventory these existing plans, and organize the stated values, goals, objectives and opportunities. This year also represents the opportunity to recognize, promote and celebrate the significant progress that has been made in the county over the last decade.
The County plans for 2010 to be a transition year when the specific role of Douglas County in promoting economic vitality can be defined. It is also the time to identify and prioritize current opportunities that are ripe with resources and leadership and bring those projects to fruition.
Finally, the new decade allows Douglas County, and it's public and private partners, the opportunity to target and launch important projects on the horizon. These projects could be large or small, but as a whole they can create true and lasting economic, environmental, social and cultural capital for Douglas County.
To assist with the development of the Economic Vitality Action Plan, the County has hired Karen Craig, a leading consultant on creative economic development. Click here to see the scope of services for this action planning process.
Douglas County & Partners
Planning for Prosperity
Douglas County Snapshot:
Rockwell's Americana. The major employees are in the fields of gaming and tourism, research and manufacturing, government and services. Douglas County offers the facilities and amenities of a metropolitan area, yet remains pleasantly rural with easy access to all services.
Douglas County is 751 square miles in area, the fourth most populated county in Nevada with some 50,000 residents. It's proximity to the Reno, Carson City, and California markets are leveraged for major business opportunities from a small town atmosphere. As the gateway to outdoor adventure, its boundaries encompass the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe as well as the Carson River and Topaz Lake. Significant BLM and US Forest Land holdings provide a unique setting and opportunity for high desert and backcountry adventures on horseback or off road vehicles. Elevations vary from a low of 4,625 feet on the valley floor to a high of 9,500 feet in the Sierra Nevada. An arid climate prevails with warm summers, moderate winters, and cool night temperatures throughout the year.
Want more information about the County? - Click here for link to the Opportunity Package