Creative Santa Fe: Strengthening Santa Fe's Creative Economy

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Santa Fe Economic Development Plan

The main goal of our plan is to achieve long term sustainable economic health for our residents.

Our success will be measured by: improved education, creation and retention of good high paying jobs, increased availability of affordable housing, and increased revenue for the region.

This plan emphasizes existing community assets to strengthen and grow local businesses. We will tap the immense creativity of Santa Feans to build the future economy. The rich heritage and culture of the region will continue to be honored and will be reflected in this plan.

Community Economic Development Strategy Action Plan
Immediate Opportunities for Success

Recommended priorities to complete by June 30, 2005

1. Santa Fe will be the leading arts, design, and cultural Industry center of the US.

• Support the establishment of Creative Santa Fe, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization to serve as an umbrella organization to guide development of cultural economic development for the Santa Fe region.
• Support the Community Box Office for performing arts groups' joint ticket sales and marketing.
• Develop a web portal to be a singular online presence for information on arts and culture, a marketplace for online arts and culture commerce, and a reference center for workforce development and economic development initiatives.
• Support Southwest Design Conference planned for June 2005.
• Explore the creation of a New Media Industries Gallery in downtown Santa Fe.

2. Santa Fe will be the water conservation and clean energy capital of the US.

• Encourage locally-owned alternative energy production, including wind, solar and biomass.
• Support a feasibility study for the creation of an energy/water development center.
• Support industry initiatives such as the establishment of a National Water Harvesting Association, including a national conference and training to be held in Santa Fe.
• Pursue development of policies to promote energy efficiency and water conservation in affordable and market rate housing developments.

3. Santa Fe's citizens will be well educated and well trained for high paying jobs.*

• Expand and develop new educational training programs for target industries including hospitality, culinary, design, film, water and energy conservation and financial services through local colleges and secondary schools.
• Collaborate with state and local efforts to better coordinate workforce development efforts with each other and the education community.

*NOTE: the Community Development Division is actively engaged in educational programs in the public schools through funding from the Arts Commission and the Children and Youth Commission. These programs are not discussed here because they are directed and funded through other channels.

4. Santa Fe's entrepreneurs will work in a supportive community that encourages and celebrates their success.

• Continue support for existing business support programs such as the Santa Fe Business Incubator, the Santa Fe Small Business Development Loan Fund, workshops and seminars.
• Establish an Entrepreneurship Roundtable to coordinate and expand financing and training opportunities for Santa Fe's existing and potential small businesses. The Entrepreneurship Roundtable will guide development of entrepreneurship policies to encourage small business growth.
• Continue support for the Santa Fe Alliance's Buy Local Campaign. Establish metrics for measuring the impact of the Buy Local Campaign on the regional economy.
• Adopt a more business-friendly attitude within City departments. Strengthen the Small Business Ombudsman position within the City of Santa Fe offices.

5. Santa Fe will celebrate its cultural, historic and business neighborhoods and emphasize respect and collaboration among businesses and neighbors.

• Support existing and develop new community and neighborhood festivals. Engage residents, businesses and community organizations in planning for neighborhood events and promotions.

6. Santa Fe will increase affordable housing opportunities for renters and homeowners.

• Link economic development efforts to affordable housing programs through initiatives such as innovative energy and water conservation design, creating employee assistance funds for down payment assistance and cross-marketing of housing and economic development programs.

7. Santa Fe will develop the tools to get the job done.

• Explore creating a Community Development Corporation to strengthen and expand Santa Fe's economic development.
• Hire a grant writer in the Community Services Department to find additional sources of funding to implement the Economic Development Plan.
• Hire a marketing contractor to develop and implement a communications plan that builds local and national awareness of Santa Fe as a place to do business.

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