Creating a non-seasonal middle-class economy

By Dan Hamburg

Encourage new light industry and innovative proposals to bring well-paying jobs to the county, particularly light industry.

I think the County is doing a relatively good job in terms of getting its planning documents in order (e.g., the UVAP, the Mendocino Town Plan, and the LCP) and streamlining the permit process. The county has earned its good reputation in this area.

The County can also provide information to potential job creators and new industries of which they may not be aware. For example, Mendocino County is a Designated Geographic Area (DGA) for the new employment credit that went into effect in California this year. This credit provides up to $50,000/employee in tax credits for businesses over a 5 year period. There is also a large sales tax exemption for the purchase of manufacturing equipment under the DGA.

I am not aware that the development fees charged by the County are out of line with those charged in other counties. In fact, I know of businesses that have been very satisfied with the treatment they have received from the County in the permitting process.

I favor innovative approaches to economic vitality. For example, a project that is currently being vetted known as Mendocino VillageTown has promise. I do not want this project to fall victim to "nimbyism" before it has been thoroughly considered. I have held a meeting with relevant county department heads and emergency service personnel and have received no "red lights". We need to think "outside the box" if we are going to get this economy moving forward.