Economic Development Subcommittee

Meetings on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 8:15 p.m.

Scope and Definition of Issues

The Economic Development Subcommittee will focus on issues related to the following:

• Commercial/Industrial growth and development

• Development and continuing education of a multi-faceted work force

• Attracting new commerce and industry

• Retaining existing commerce and industry

• Transportation and utility infrastructure

• Mineral resources

 Commercial/Industrial Growth and Development

The subcommittee will research the characteristics of those areas where historical commercial and industrial growth have occurred, and then identify portions of McHenry County where similar characteristics exist (or can be created) to accommodate new growth and development. In conjunction with this issue, the subcommittee intends to separate the county into several “zones” that can be analyzed with respect to their adaptability to accommodate commercial/industrial growth and development through 2030.

Development and Continuing Education of a Multi-Faceted Work Force

Working with the school systems, as appropriate, and specifically with McHenry County College, the subcommittee will research McHenry County’s work force from two different perspectives – that of the employers in McHenry County and that of the members of the work force. We hope to identify programs that can be developed to create and preserve the existing work force, while at the same time provide members of the work force with advancement opportunities through continuing education and training.  Attracting New Commerce and Industry

McHenry County, as well as many of the cities and villages located in McHenry County, are vitally interested in attracting new commerce and industry. New commerce and industry not only provides employment opportunities and sales tax generation, but also are large generators of real estate taxes without significant drains on county and municipal services. The subcommittee recognizes that some new commerce and industry is more appropriately located in the unincorporated portions of the county, while other new commerce and industry would be more suitable to a municipal location. We intend to investigate traditional retail development as well as industrial and business parks, but we also intend to investigate innovative commerce and industry locations such as would be found in a transportation corridor or some type of “campus” setting. Recognizing that all commercial and industrial development is probably not appropriate for McHenry County, we intend to identify specific commercial and industrial uses that would be

appropriate to McHenry County, such as agribusiness and tourism.

Retaining Existing Commerce and Industry

In addition to attracting new commerce and industry, the subcommittee recognizes the significance of retaining existing commerce and industry. Through roundtable discussions, meetings with Chambers of Commerce and Industry, meetings with Economic Development Commissions, and meetings with major employers in McHenry County, we hope to identify issues of concern that might be addressed in the 2030 Plan relative to retaining existing commerce and industry.

Transportation and Utility Infrastructure

Two of the most significant areas of concern that we are aware of with respect to commerce and industry in McHenry County are transportation and utility infrastructure. Our subcommittee intends to work with the Infrastructure Subcommittee to address these issues.

Mineral Resources

For years McHenry County has enjoyed the reputation of being the largest producer of sand and gravel in Illinois. McHenry County is home to many of the largest sand and gravel mining operations in the Chicago Metropolitan Area. Unfortunately, depletion is occurring in many mined areas and entitlements are getting more difficult to obtain, while at the same time the demand for sand and gravel resources continues unabated. The subcommittee intends to work with representatives of the gravel industry to adequately address their concerns about mineral resources through 2030.

Subcommittee Participants

The Economic Development Subcommittee includes four members of the Regional Planning

Commission:

Jerry Davenport

Frank Harrison (Chair)

Craig Hubert

William Swenson

In addition, the Planning Commission invites other individuals with an interest and/or expertise in issues surrounding Economic Development to expand the knowledge and broaden the perspective of the group. In particular, individuals representing the following perspectives are invited to attend:

Educators and Administrators at McHenry County High Schools

Representatives of McHenry County College

Representatives and members of the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation

Representatives and members of any municipal Chambers of Commerce and Industry

Representatives and members of any municipal Economic Development Commissions

Major employers in McHenry County

Commercial and industrial developers in McHenry County

Representatives of the McHenry County sand and gravel industry

In addition, we intend to work closely with the Agricultural Subcommittee and the InfrastructureSubcommittee.

General Goals:

1. Support the work of the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation, including the attraction of new businesses and the retention of existing businesses, to help broaden the county’s economic base.

2. Support the work of the McHenry County Convention & Visitors Bureau to help broaden and promote tourism throughout the county.

3. Provide adequate transportation facilities and supporting infrastructure in order to retain and attract new businesses to help broaden the county’s economic base.

4. Encourage the expansion of institutions of higher learning to enhance workforce skills to help broaden the county’s economic base.

5. Work with municipalities to develop and/or re-vitalize commercial retail centers to help broaden the county’s economic base.

Specific Goals:

1. Identify the county in terms of meaningful business zones and recognize key characteristics of each zone.

2. Recognize ag-tourism and alternate agriculture as viable economic tools.

3. Protect productive and valuable aggregate resources ensuring their availability for future generations.

4. Work to locate technology-based companies in McHenry County.

Strategies and Implementation Measures

To be determined

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