The Stone Mountain Community Improvement District (CID) has completed its first public meeting to share and receive ideas on bringing employers back to the area.
A large gathering of stakeholders joined in the CID's kickoff function on August 15 as part of its substantial economic development planning effort. The CID is working in coordination with the Atlanta Regional Commission and DeKalb Development Authority to complete the job-focused plan.
"We are greatly encouraged by the quality of the participation we received from this important kickoff event," said CID President Emory Morsberger. "The CID Board of Directors and our partners are committed to returning our community to its rightful place as a regional economic engine."
CID Board Member Steve Craine said the number of attendees at Wednesday's meeting, which occurred at his Eagle Rock Distributing offices, signifies extensive public interest in supporting job growth.
"We are all about creating new jobs right here, and there is strong community support for this economic development initiative," Craine said. "We're going to keep these partners engaged and work together to revive businesses and bring in new employers."
The CID's ultimate goal is to create a first-of-its-kind roadmap directing efforts to attract employers to fill available commercial and industrial spaces. CID leaders and stakeholders are aggressively working to attract 2,000 new jobs to the community before the end of 2013.
Initial findings from experienced economic development and planning professionals indicate that the CID area is strategically situated for resurgence. Future and existing employers can benefit from easy access to major transportation arteries and close proximity to in-town markets and major educational/research institutions.
Experts recommend that the CID serve as the catalyst to seek new partnerships and other significant improvements, which could include:
* Upgrading roads to better accommodate manufacturing and distribution
* Streamlining processes for zoning, permitting and licensing to increase ease of access
* Connecting businesses with schools at all levels to produce a better-trained workforce
* Combining public and private stakeholder groups with a common goal - job growth
Information about the planning effort - including forthcoming details about future public meetings - will be posted at stonemountaincid.com/economic-development.