Jump starting the economy in El Dorado County will require working together in new ways. This was one conclusion reached by participants in a County-wide Economic Summit held in June. The Summit, organized by the El Dorado Community Foundation, the El Dorado County Office of Education, the El Dorado County CAO’s Office, and the El Dorado Center of Folsom Lake College, was the first step in an ongoing process to find a few major initiatives that can help El Dorado County take charge of its economic future. Ultimately, organizers hope to move toward a common vision for strategies and processes that will build a healthier and more diverse economic future for El Dorado County.

Participants, including representatives of business, government agencies, educational entities, and other interested citizens, examined the key assets and opportunities in the County that are ripe for growth and then identified positive trends and critical gaps in each area. Some discussions centered on the asset base in the County, noting the natural environment, our unique history, our proximity to major metropolitan areas and the ability to build on those assets for enhanced opportunities in agriculture, tourism, health and wellness, and education. Key gaps included a lack of lodging options for visitors and supportive regulation needed to pursue a wide range of rural commerce.

Other topics discussed were ways to create more jobs, regulatory challenges faced by existing business parks, increasing opportunities for higher education, and on the importance of improving critical infrastructure that would allow County-wide broadband access. The group focused on ideas but also discussed how processes could be improved to get things done in the County, noting the need for streamlining regulations and making economic development activities more affordable.

Creative ideas flowed as the group began to brainstorm, including targeted residential summer institutes, a Culture and Welcome Center, collaborative higher education models, and ways to cooperate on marketing efforts. The next step in the process is to seek input from a broad range of stakeholders. To accomplish this, any interested residents are encouraged to participate in an online survey to help guide future efforts.

Look for links to the survey and a summary of the June Summit on the El Dorado Community Foundation website (www.eldoradocf.org). The online survey can also be accessed by visiting the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce web site.