This survey is designed to solicit your input on draft of Strategic Sonoma - the comprehensive economic development action plan for Sonoma County.
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Following completion of the 2016 Sonoma-Mendocino CEDS, the Sonoma County Economic Development Board (EDB) identified a need for a Sonoma County-specific Action Plan. The EDB partnered with the Sonoma County Workforce Investment Board and Santa Rosa Junior College to hire Avalanche Consulting, Inc to assist in developing this Action Plan, titled Strategic Sonoma.
Strategic Sonoma began in June 2017, and midway through Phase 1, the October wildfires occurred. Recognizing the importance of focusing on the immediate needs of county residents and businesses, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors extended the contract with Avalanche Consulting to assist in developing an Economic Recovery Plan. Focused on the first 12 months after the fires, the Economic Recovery Plan is designed as the first year of Strategic Sonoma.
Inclusive Economic Development was a primary theme of the 2016 Sonoma-Mendocino CEDS, and Strategic Sonoma has worked towards inclusion from initiation. Through the planning process, the consulting team spoke directly to nearly 200 individuals representing more than 140 organizations from across the county. Continued efforts towards inclusion will be necessary throughout implementation of Strategic Sonoma.
Strategic Sonoma was developed in three phases, each resulting in a separate chapter of the strategy:
Phase 1 – Competitive Assessment
During this phase, Avalanche Consulting and the EDB engaged with stakeholders throughout Sonoma County to hear their stories; conducted an extensive data and benchmarking analysis; examined national and international trends to monitor; refined the 2016 CEDS SWOT analysis; and developed a prioritized list of strategic issues facing Sonoma County.
Phase 2 - Target Clusters
Phase 2 presented a more detailed Sonoma County industry cluster analysis; recommended target clusters of opportunity for local economic and workforce development; presented profiles of those clusters; and offered an inventory of supportive resources.
Phase 3 – Strategic Sonoma Action Plan
The Strategic Sonoma Action Plan represents the conclusion of Phase 3 and includes a vision statement, strategic goals, and recommended projects to address Sonoma County’s strategic priorities and create a more resilient, vibrant economy. Utilizing a collaborative framework, the Action Plan includes a discussion on implementation, suggests partner organizations to be involved with each goal, and offers metrics to track progress and provide accountability.
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Before filling out this survey, please take time to review the three chapters of Strategic Sonoma. The questions contained in this survey will help us answer your questions and make adjustments to the reports as needed.
After receiving your input, the chapters will be updated and finalized in the overall Strategic Sonoma plan.
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Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts with us! Please feel free to directly contact Tony DeLisi with Avalanche Consulting at tony@avalancheconsulting.com if you have additional comments and questions.