The County was incorporated in 1850 as one of California's original 27 counties. With a current total population of approximately 1.57 million, it is the eighth most populous county in California. The County includes seven incorporated cities. The City of Sacramento is the largest city within the County and is California's State Capitol. The County is unique in that a significant number of residents live in established unincorporated communities and rely on the County to provide services. The County encompasses approximately 994 square miles in the middle of California's prime agricultural region, the Central Valley. Trade, services, and the federal, state and local governments are important economic engines as the County is long-established as a center of commerce for the region. Visitors are attracted to the area by the State Capitol, the Golden 1 Center indoor arena, a vibrant restaurant and art scene, California State University Sacramento, historic Old Sacramento, and other cultural resources as well as abundant natural resources such as the American River Parkway, the Delta and other natural attractions. The County experienced economic challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, drought and flooding have increased, creating challenges for some of the County's key industries such as food and agriculture. A forward-looking economic development strategy is needed to support the economic recovery of these recent disasters and to ensure resilience as the County looks to the future. The County Office of Economic Development (OED), is located within the Community Services Agency and provides countywide leadership on economic and workforce development initiatives, identifies key sectors to target economic growth, supports small businesses, revitalizes and improves neighborhoods and local economic stability, and promotes the County as a premier place for business and investment. In 2013, the County contracted with a consultant and established a 2014-17 EDSP (see Attachment A) that consisted of three main action categories: Job Retention & Growth, Innovation & Improvement of Business Climate, and Marketing & Branding. The four-year plan was intended to guide the County's economic development focus. With many of the 2014-17 EDSP's action items completed, the County desires to prepare a new EDSP and Implementation Plan that builds on the economic development work already accomplished or underway, furthers inclusive economic development efforts within the community, and introduces new and timely strategies of proven success. Question Submission Deadline:August 10, 2023, 5:00pm
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