Route 3 Strategic Visioning Initiative

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

Following a joint meeting on May 9, 2013, the Orange County Board of Supervisors, Economic Development Authority, and Planning Commission, reached a consensus that expansion of the County’s economy must be a priority. These elected and appointed leaders recognized that an economic development vision and strategy initiative was imperative to bring lasting prosperity and opportunity to Orange County residents and businesses. The Orange County Board of Supervisors, Economic Development Authority, and Planning Commission subsequently met in early July 2013, to hold a two-day retreat to begin a long-range planning effort for the Route 3 Corridor. This corridor serves as the best location to support public and private investment in order to promote business growth. It was a historic first step which challenged these elected and appointed officials to collaborate on a shared vision about Orange County’s economic growth. In September 2013, the Board of Supervisors, Economic Development Authority, and Planning Commission formed the Route 3 Strategic Visioning Initiative Steering Committee. The committee was comprised of two members from each body with County staff supporting the committee's work. The Steering Committee was tasked with developing the vision and strategic direction for the project on behalf of the County’s elected and appointed leadership.