Sonoma County Economic Development Board

2012 State of The County — January 13, 2012

This year’s State of the County was held on January 13, 2012, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Rohnert Park.

• Videos of the event have been posted on EDB’s YouTube channel
• Event Program, Presentations and Handouts

At this annual breakfast event, we highlight key opportunities, challenges, and initiatives facing Sonoma County in the coming year. The summary of the past year and vision of the year ahead are presented by the Chair of the Sonoma County Supervisors. A guest economist will provide special analysis and forecast for the California economy, as well as the prospects for Sonoma County.

About the EDB

The Sonoma County Economic Development Board (EDB) provides assistance services directed toward encouraging the startup, retention and expansion of Sonoma County businesses and jobs, particularly with small businesses; creation of new jobs and employment opportunities; and diversification of economic activity and strengthening the County's tax base. The EDB has two major functions:

• To provide information and referral services to help local businesses to start up, succeed, and grow;
• and to develop and disseminate factual data regarding significant economic activities, trends and projections for Sonoma County. In addition, the Economic Development Director performs numerous activities on behalf of the Board of Supervisors ranging from coordination to analysis of issues impacting Sonoma County.

Draft Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)

Draft Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) (PDF: 3.30 MB) for submission to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. (The report is currently a draft and will be reviewed by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on January 10, 2012. The report will then be submitted to the Department of Commerce once approval of the report by the Board of Supervisors is received)

The CEDS is designed to bring together the public and private sectors in the creation of an economic roadmap to diversify and strengthen regional economies. This CEDS represents the combined efforts of volunteers and staff to record and discuss economic development activities within the region. Staff collected input from businesses and community stakeholders through outreach events, such as the Economic Summit held in June 2011 which drew 400 attendees, and meetings with representatives from five business clusters, involving more than 100 individuals. The development of the CEDS was conducted under the oversight of the Innovation Action Council with served as the strategy committee.

Economic Development Strategy and Jobs Plan

The Board of Supervisors has reiterated its commitment to a strong and vibrant local economy by adopting the Economic Development Strategy and Jobs Plan.   The report outlines the County’s new programs to address the following major themes:

1. Regulatory Compliance & Sustainability Assistance
2. Business Development, Retention & Outreach Services
3. Employer-Driven Workforce Development Strategy
4. Business Cluster Development
5. Financial Resources Programs
6. Facilitation of broadband development in Rural parts of the County
7. Facilitate Strategic Asset and Branding Coordination
8. Enhance coordination economic development resources within the County

• Economic Development Strategy and Jobs Plan (PDF: 179 kB)