Jobs and the Economy

By Adam Hill

The recent County economic forecast confirmed what many residents already know--among our biggest challenges is head-of-household job creation.

Currently, the County lacks a comprehensive economic development strategy. However, we are fortunate to have a world-class polytechnic university in our community that features some of the most innovative programs in engineering, biotechnology, computing, agriculture, and alternative energy. We need to be doing more with this amazing asset.

For instance, a strong private-public partnership with Cal Poly and venture capitalists could create an incubator for a cluster of start-up firms in our community. We could greatly expand our tech sector to include more clean and green research and development, increased information services, and ultimately cultivate a thriving culture of diverse and creative businesses.

Rather than a pay raise for County Supervisors, I will use that money to organize an economic development summit. We can bring together some of the best business and entrepreneurial talent in our county, and come up with a blue-print for job creation, business attraction, expansion of partnerships and support networks, and even the design of a County-wide venture capital fund.

I believe our economic future is as bright as we want to make it.

With leadership and vision, every community in our county can benefit and prosper. Economic development, which must include the support and collaboration of existing local businesses, will be a top priority for me as Supervisor.