Forsyth County Planning and Development

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2010

Forsyth County

Planning and

Development

MCFARLAND – STONEY POINT LCI

FORSYTH COUNTY, GA

2010 UPDATE

This document includes a summary of the Evaluation and Appraisal Report and the Report of Accomplishments as of December 2010 and the Five Year Implementation Plan for the Livable Centers Initiative Study Area for future years 2010-2015.

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Forsyth County Government | Planning and Development December 2010

Transportation Initiatives

Complete

Between 2006 and 2010, the following transportation projects were completed: TP-1a (Ronald Reagan Boulevard Corridor: Roadway Extension Segment 1 - from Union Hill to McFarland), TP-2a (20 ft. raised median from Union Hill to McFarland), 3a (10-15 ft shared-use path from Union Hill to McFarland), TP-4a (5-8 ft sidewalk from Union Hill to McFarland), TP-5 (Big Creek Greenway Phase 1), and a portion of TP-11 (Union Hill Road Improvement, Bridge Design Phase). These projects were executed in accordance with the McFarland – Stoney Point Livable Centers Initiative 5-Year Implementation Plan as amended in January 2006.

TP-1a, the extension of Ronald Reagan Boulevard from McGinnis Ferry Road/Union Hill Road to McFarland Parkway was completed and opened for motorists by December 2009. The project extended the already existing length of Ronald Reagan Boulevard by 1.1 miles and expanded the road to four lanes. The project also included other transportation initiatives including a raised median divider (TP-2a), a five-foot sidewalk (TP-4a), and a ten-five-foot wide multi-use trail running the entire 1.1 miles from McGinnis Ferry Road to McFarland Parkway (TP-3a). The opening of Ronald Reagan Boulevard between McGinnis Ferry Road/Union Hill Road and McFarland Parkway completes another section of the county‟s collector road system paralleling SR 400 and providing a north/south alternate to SR 400 on the east side. This segment should help to reduce congestion as well as provide for much-needed infrastructure in the area for economic development. This road project, which was constructed by C.W. Matthews Contracting, was funded by SPLOST VI. Construction began in October 2008 and some tie-in work on Union Hill Road and Bluegrass Lakes Parkway was continued into early 2010.

TP-5 included Phase 1 of the Big Creek Greenway shared-use, mainline trail, with access provided at McFarland Parkway. The primary trail access falls within the LCI area and continues outside of the defined study area, accomplishing pedestrian connectivity between various land uses consistent with multiple LCI study goals and recommendations. The completion of this particular project phase is an important implementation milestone supporting the overall character and intention of the study‟s community vision, which includes a network of greenways that will run along the Big Creek with passive parks and connected trails. In addition to providing pedestrian-oriented connectivity and recreational opportunities, this project simultaneously secures and conserves lands adjacent to the Big Creek for purposes of environmental protection. The 2006 LCI Study emphasized the importance of maintaining the natural creek beds and floodplains along the Big Creek as greenspace. These areas provide an important environmental function and are not suitable for development, yet also represent potential recreational amenities that enrich the

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community in ways only achievable with proactive planning and conservation efforts. Fruition of this vision was accomplished in conjunction with the Forsyth County Comprehensive Plan in which floodplains and stream buffers along the Big Creek were designated for conservation purposes on the future land use map. The success of this initial phase, warmly received by the public and already credited for attracting business relocations to the county, lends further support for prioritizing future continuation of remaining LCI projects.

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TP-11 consists of extensive infrastructure improvements to Union Hill Road, also known as County Route #456, classified as a two-lane urban collector road in need of expansion to satisfy capacity demands according to the 2006 LCI Study. This expansion project involves the widening of Union Hill Road, a raised median, curb, gutter and other associated infrastructure including sidewalks and a vehicular bridge. The inclusion of sidewalks in this project maximized the opportunity to achieve goals consistent with the Atlanta Regional Commission‟s objectives that emphasize streetscapes, sidewalks and the pedestrian. The planning and engineering phase for infrastructure of this magnitude is a costly undertaking that must be approached on an incremental basis. Despite budgetary challenges, the design phase for the bridge associated with TP-11 was completed in 2008. Construction of the bridge will take place following design of the additional roadway expansion. This portion of the preliminary work is a great accomplishment given the project scope; the remainder of the project design and construction is anticipated to resume in 2014.

Underway

No transportation projects are currently underway; however an application is currently in progress to obtain Transportation Enhancement funding for the McFarland Parkway / Shiloh Road Sidewalk Project, coinciding with portions of TP-8a and TP-8b. This project will add a 5‟ sidewalk for pedestrian access to the Big Creek Greenway within the existing right of way of McFarland Parkway (0.442 miles), Shiloh Road (2.066 miles), and Shiloh Road East. The project is a continuation of LCI goals focused on improving pedestrian-oriented connectivity, quality of life, healthy habits, commercial opportunities and decreased traffic congestion associated with the ability to walk from neighborhoods to recreational or other areas of interest utilizing only bipedal mobility.

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Not Started

The following projects were pushed until dates in the future when funding may be available: TP-1b, TP-1c, TP-2b, TP-2c, TP-3b, TP-3c, TP-4b, TP-4c, TP-6, TP-7a, TP-7b, TP7c, TP-8a, TP-8b, TP-8c, TP-9, TP-10, the remainder of TP-11, TP-12, TP-14, TP-15, TP-16, TP-17, TP-19, TP-20, TP-21a and TP-21b. These projects were postponed due to lack of funding coinciding with the national economic downturn. This turndown, felt locally particularly in the area of private development, placed unforeseen hurdles and constraints on the county‟s ability to proceed with projects as planned following 2006. Reduced revenues created budget shortfalls precluding adequate funds and resources to accomplish the remaining transportation projects. In addition to unavailable funds, reduced staff levels and redirected political priorities and directives further constrained the county‟s ability to proceed with additional transportation projects given the nature and scope involved.

Not Started – Postponed to 2010 5-Year Plan

The future implementation plan spanning years 2011-2015 determines that the following transportation projects may take place or begin: TP-1b, TP-1c, TP-2b, TP-2c, TP-3b, TP-3c, TP-4b, TP-4c, TP-6, TP-7a, 7b, 7c, 9, 10, the remainder of 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, and TP-21a and TP-21b. These transportation projects are a part of the 5 Year Implementation Plan at the conclusion of this report.

Not Started – Postponed Beyond 2010 5-Year Plan

The following transportation initiatives are scheduled to take place or begin beyond the 5-Year Implementation Plan ending in 2015: TP-8a, TP-8b, TP-8c, and TP-19. Anticipated dates and greater detail regarding these projects is provided in the Report of Accomplishments table following this narrative.

Not Started - No Longer Relevant

Transportation project TP-13, involving a new road parallel to Ronald Reagan Boulevard between McFarland Parkway and Union Hill Road, including sidewalks, was not started because the project is no longer relevant. The commercial and residential growth associated with this proposed expansion did not take place, eliminating the need for this road expansion.

TP-18, the proposed GRTA park and ride facility to be located on McFarland Parkway, was initially planned as a part of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority Regional Express Bus Phasing Plan to be implemented between 2004 and 2010, providing downtown Atlanta and suburban activity center connections for commuters. This effort, to be funded by GRTA, sought to achieve mutual goals held by

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GRTA as a regional transportation planning organization as well as LCI study area goals focusing on improving access to transit and other transportation options. The ultimate function of this facility was to provide access to efficient transportation that meets the living and working needs of Forsyth County residents in order to accommodate an increased density proposed within the LCI area while lessening traffic demands.

Currently, GRTA has discontinued plans for a McFarland Parkway park & ride lot from the Express Bus program based on low ridership levels at two existing locations along the SR 400 corridor: SR 400 / Windward Parkway (MARTA park and ride) and SR 400 / SR 20 / Old Atlanta Road (Express park and ride). There is significant excess parking capacity at these two park and ride locations as well as plenty of seating capacity on the buses, which obviates the need for additional accommodations for this route. In the future, GRTA will not pursue an additional park and ride facility to be located at McFarland Parkway unless they experience a strong trend in ridership growth at both locations.

Land Use Initiatives

Underway

LUI-3 Adopt New Future Land Use Classifications

Through major amendment processes, pursuant to DCA regulation, Forsyth County Planning and Development is in a major update process to the Forsyth County Comprehensive Plan, including new land use classifications called “character areas.” These areas are a much improved mechanism for incorporating intended community goals such as those associated with the LCI plan than the future land use map based on traditional zoning categories. The assessment portion of this undertaking also included an update to the existing land use map (below). The 2012 update is currently in the community agenda phase.

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Not Started

LUI-1 Create New Zoning Districts

In 2006, based on LCI Study recommendations, Forsyth County pursued consultant services from The Jaeger Company to address community design through an additional study. The main areas of the study involved the creation of overlay districts and associated design regulations such as streetscape design, site design and development standards as well as landscape and open space design criteria. These design standards and overlay districts did not move forward due to other planning directives. Currently, given the comprehensive plan update, it is unlikely that further code changes of a large scope will take place until the new plan is adopted in 2012.

LUI-2 Design Guidelines

The Ronald Reagan/Union Hill Overlay District, although not a part of the scope of the original McFarland-Stoney Point Livable Centers Initiative study, incorporates design guidelines and other elements intended to guide the development of a product consistent with LCI objectives. This district was adopted in 2008 in association with a proposed development for The Taubman Company with the stated purpose being to support flexibility and innovation for regional mixed use developments encompassing more than 150 acres of land; the outcomes and methodology involved reflect the ultimate intent of the LCI study.

This overlay seeks to facilitate an urban, mixed-use, density and quality of life-oriented product through the complementary integration of office, retail, restaurants, commercial, entertainment, hotel, residential and recreational land uses. The regulations involve pedestrian circulation, integrated open space and facilitated planning for efficient and sustainable community development. Ultimately, like the LCI study goals, the ideal product encouraged by this overlay accommodates quality aesthetics and fosters a more balanced relationship between commercial and residential growth to ensure a stable and healthy tax base in Forsyth County through mixed use development.

A map highlighting the Ronald Reagan /Union Hill Overlay District boundary, located entirely within the LCI study area is provided below, outlined in black.

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Economic Development Initiatives

Complete

EDI-1 Create Mixed Use Village Destination

Forsyth County has encouraged sustainable models of development through land use codes including the introduction of the Master Planned District - MPD zoning district in 2004, which allows both horizontal and vertical mixed use products consistent with many LCI goals. The most recognizable product consistent with these ideals is Vickery Village, a vibrant example of the live, work and play community concept. Intended to be virtually a town within itself, the development incorporates a mix of architectural styles and 75 acres of green space and parks, along with a variety of residential products all within walking distance of schools, shops, restaurants and recreational areas such as a YMCA. This development incorporates pedestrian access thereby providing an inviting atmosphere.

EDI-2Conference Center

Lanier Technical College's Forsyth campus on Majors Road underwent expansion in 2008 to accommodate increased levels of enrollment as well as the construction of a state-of-the-art facility, the Lanier Technical College Forsyth Conference Center. Opened during the fall of 2010, this facility is a collaborative effort between Lanier Technical College and Forsyth County to meet dual purposes including workforce training, conferences, conventions, public meetings and other gatherings. Construction of the center began in 2008 primarily utilizing $12.7 million in state funds as part of the Technical College System of Georgia‟s capital outlay in 2007 and 2008 budget years. An intergovernmental agreement between Forsyth County and Lanier Technical College grants Forsyth County limited use of the facility including a 14,000 square foot civic auditorium in exchange for a $1 million payment over 25 years. Use of the facility is on a first come, first served basis and the county may make reservations up to two years in advance for the entire facility or only a portion for public meetings or other functions. The civic auditorium is also expected to be rented by groups such as the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce to facilitate adult education functions related to economic development and strengthening of the local workforce through education.

Complete / On-going

EDI-3 Leverage Lanier Tech

The presence of an educational institution such as Lanier Technical College is a fortunate commodity for workforce maximization and industry development within the county. Training and attracting a quality labor force will be a dominant, if not decisive, factor in preparing workers with the robust skills needed to adapt to

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changing job requirements. The transition from manufacturing to the technology-based new economy dramatically raises the skill level needed to secure competitive wages. The State of Georgia‟s network of technical colleges, including the Forsyth campus of Lanier Tech, have delivered services such as contract training for business and industry, continuing education, approval of retraining tax credits for eligible companies and Work Ready certification, all of which contribute significantly to an enhanced quality of life for thousands of Georgians. The Lanier Technical College Adult Education Program received a grant from the State of Georgia to aid residents seeking Work Ready Certification. This funding allowed them to hire staff and work toward providing Work Ready skills gap training to help citizens improve their core job skills and earn gold-level Work Ready Certificates. Lanier Technical College will receive $200 for each Georgian who successfully improves their Work Ready Certificate level through skills gap training, up to $10,000. There is also an incentive for students who are not working that includes a $50 reward for taking their scores to the next level. Worker training can improve the productivity of local businesses. Whereas a business may have more limited inducement to invest in training that makes their employees more competitive in the greater market, this initiative on behalf of a state or local program can be beneficial to the community economy by strengthening the workforce. The Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with North Georgia College and State University‟s „Next Level‟ classes and Lanier Technical College‟s on-site training, are examples of local programs geared to employee preparation. In association with Lanier Technical College, the Forsyth County Development Authority and the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce, host training strategically designed toward strengthening the community workforce in skills needed to support growing industries in the county.

EDI-4 Leverage Northside Hospital Forsyth

This medical facility continues to expand and add services to meet the ever-growing healthcare needs of Forsyth County and surrounding communities. Currently, nearly 300 physicians are members of its medical staff with more than 1,000 other healthcare specialists and employees. As the State of Georgia leader in maternity and newborn care, Northside Hospital - Forsyth offers comprehensive services for labor and delivery, neonatal care, high-risk perinatal diagnostics, parenting and newborn classes and lactation consultation to the county. The new 108,000 square foot Women‟s Center was designed to rival the nationally acclaimed Women‟s Center at Northside Hospital in the City of Atlanta. Northside Hospital - Forsyth has distinguished itself among the very best maternity and newborn hospitals in the country and more importantly, Northside remains the most preferred hospital in overall healthcare services in metropolitan Atlanta in independent consumer research surveys conducted by the National Research Corporation. The Forsyth County Development Authority and the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce have closely linked the success of this distinguished institution with the Focus on Forsyth and other programs geared toward expanding the workforce and job market in the county to facilitate this

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growing industry. A target market analysis, commissioned by these agencies for purposes of guiding economic development efforts in 2007, highlighted the Healthcare Technology industry as an integral part of the local economy‟s future. Indicative of this trend, the Northside Hospital health system plans to invest more than $50 million and add approximately 150 jobs at its Forsyth campus with a proposed renovation and expansion of the Cumming hospital including the addition of 33 inpatient beds and renovation of the hospital‟s 10-bed intensive care unit. This much needed improvement is currently in preliminary planning stages.

EDI-5 Spearhead Forsyth area economic development campaign

The Development Authority of Forsyth County, in conjunction with Forsyth County government and the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, commissioned a target market study for the City of Cumming and Forsyth County in 2007. This in-depth report prepared by Whittaker Associates, Inc. identifies our community‟s strengths and opportunities while defining those industry sectors that we are best able to support and expand. Based on analysis and review, the Development Authority of Forsyth County identified target industry sectors for their recruitment program including: Professional and Business Services, Financial Services, Educational and Health Services, Information, Leisure and Hospitality, Trade, Transportation and Utilities, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Testing and Other Manufacturing. Together, these industries currently account for approximately 83% of the Forsyth County workforce. The study‟s target industry analysis took into account the area‟s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, competitive advantages, current growth and investment trends, input from the community as well as predictive analytics, local, regional, and national industry trends, the existing economic base, desired

industry targets and growth potential. This valuable information was put to proactive use in 2009 through

Focus on Forsyth, a strategic economic development recruitment and retention campaign for the City of

Cumming and Forsyth County. This endeavor is a partnership initiative of the Development Authority of

Forsyth County and the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce that is a proactive plan for guiding industry growth in the community largely based on analysis provided by the Forsyth County Target Market Study recommendations. The Chamber and Development Authority seek to attract regional headquarters with many benefits to the county including high paying executive jobs and the prestige of a regional headquarters location. A major goal of the Focus on Forsyth campaign is to create a direct link to industry clusters that would be suitable for new facility construction and expansion. In addition, the Chamber has included attempts to engage German companies in their recruitment plan since Germany is Forsyth County‟s largest foreign investor to date, with twelve companies represented. The Georgia Department of Economic Development and the German American Chamber of Commerce have made considerable progress in fostering trade relations between the State of Georgia and Germany. Forsyth County enjoys ties with both entities and will seek to foster stronger relations throughout this marketing

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effort. Based on the support structure that can be provided from the creation of a nucleus of companies, particularly global partners, the Chamber has targeted the environmental and healthcare technology sectors as top targeted business recruitment sectors to grow and diversify for which a 2010 plan of action was created. The campaign includes measurable goals outlining capital investment and job creation benchmarks for each industry and outlines specific measures for achieving these goals.

EDI-7 Develop objective process and incentives package for quality development

Forsyth County commissioners, the Forsyth County Development Authority, and the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce have worked diligently to compile an attractive incentive package aimed toward drawing, keeping and expanding quality business in Forsyth County including the following:

Low millage rate. The City of Cumming and Forsyth County operate under a highly competitive tax and incentive structure. The Forsyth County millage rate is the lowest in the metropolitan Atlanta area and the City of Cumming does not assess any additional property tax.

Industrial revenue bonds. The Development Authority of Forsyth County is a seven member statutory authority operating under the regulatory control of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners. By utilizing the State of Georgia‟s industrial revenue bond process, the Development Authority can partner with new business and industry to make locating to the City of Cumming and Forsyth County even more affordable. Industrial revenue bonds can be administered in the form of taxable and tax-free financing. Tax-free bond financing up to $10 million is currently available under federal tax laws with an additional $10 million in options to the company, totaling $20 million. Interest rates are usually lower than other sources. Taxable bonds are a more flexible alternative and are also available. Variable and fixed rates are offered up to twenty-year terms, but a maximum of fifteen-year terms are preferred in most cases. Local development authorities do not operate in place of a banking institution and a company must still seek out lending partners.

Tax exemptions / Freeport exemptions. Forsyth County voters elected to exempt the following types of commercial and industrial inventory: Class 1 raw materials and goods in process of manufacturing; Class 2 finished goods produced in the State of Georgia within the last twelve months; Class 3 finished goods stored in the State of Georgia within the last twelve months and destined for shipment out-of-state. Businesses apply for these exemptions each year with the Forsyth County Board of Tax Assessors, much like a homeowner applies for a homestead exemption.

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Tax credits / State of Georgia tax incentives. Forsyth County is allowed, under powers granted by the State of Georgia, to afford new and expanding business and industry certain taxation incentives through the use of local development authorities.

Tax credits / Regional partnerships. This program, administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, grants additional job tax credits for companies hiring new employees. Forsyth County‟s participation with neighboring Cherokee and Hall Counties in the Lanier Joint Development Authority raises the per job tax credits for expanding and newly located companies to $1,250.

Opportunity zones and urban redevelopment plans. In order to create an opportunity zone, an organization must first establish an Urban Redevelopment Plan for a subject area that is in or adjacent to a census block group with greater than 15% poverty and other indications of economic distress. The intent of the plan is to encourage redevelopment and revitalization of the area, which must be adopted in the form of a resolution. Local governments who undertake such an effort to encourage redevelopment can now qualify those areas for the state‟s maximum job tax credit of $3,500 per job. The incentive is available for new or existing businesses that create two or more jobs through the form of credits, which can be taken against the business‟s income tax liability and state payroll withholding. In 2009, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution for an Urban Redevelopment Plan consisting of a parcel specific geographic area encompassing primarily commercial sites in need of redevelopment and alteration of existing sites or uses for conformity as well as infill development. Although not located within the LCI Study area, the desired result of this program benefits the greater local economy. This plan will take advantage of the job creation tax credit and was approved by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs in 2010. The plan is pursuant to the State of Georgia‟s Urban Redevelopment Act (O.C.G.A. 36-61-1) and the Georgia Business Expansion and Support Act (O.C.G.A. 48-7-40.1).

Promoting green business. The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners approved the Green Project Incentive Addendum to the Development Authority‟s location and expansion incentive policy that provides a tax break if a project meets criteria set by the Development Authority. The incentive is intended to attract companies into the county, bringing jobs and boosting the tax base as workers pay sales and property taxes. Eligible projects include producing a green product or building a facility in the county to green standards, or a combination of the two. Some of the targeted market areas include energy or utility component manufacturers, energy production, battery or computer component manufacturers, industrial, commercial or residential building component manufacturers and industries that qualify for the federal “green” stimulus monies as defined under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Buildings must meet 75% of the total possible points available in the green building standards. Businesses

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can gain between one and three year tax abatements by meeting various levels of green criteria specified in the addendum.

EDI-8 Leverage tourism opportunities

Forsyth County has many local commodities that make tourism an important part of economic development leveraged by the Forsyth County Development Authority and the Cumming-Forsyth Chamber of Commerce including:

Hospitality Highway. Originating in Dahlonega, Georgia, the SR 400 corridor passes through Dawsonville, Cumming, Alpharetta, Roswell and Sandy Springs on the way to the City of Atlanta, connecting motorists with mountains, lakes, woodland and marsh trails plus other diverse tourist destinations. This corridor also provides cultural options in its vicinity such as historic sites, retail art galleries, theaters, tea rooms, and restaurants. Outdoor recreational activities involve gold panning, hiking, horseback riding, tubing, rafting, canoeing and kayaking. Retail choices consist of historic storefronts with quaint antique stores and cafes together with shopping malls and retail centers that provide diverse shopping experiences for both residents and visitors.

Recreational attractions. Located on the southern edge of Lake Sidney Lanier, Forsyth County sports affordable fun from the top of Sawnee Mountain to the bottom of Buford Dam where trout fishing flourishes. The area offers entertainment to everyone from casual campers and boaters to serious hikers and fishers to those who appreciate a spectrum of cultural activities. Two local festivals include the Grass in the Grove Bluegrass Festival in mid-September and the Cumming Country Fair and Festival during October. A new interpretive visitor center has been constructed amidst the native flora and fauna of the Sawnee Mountain Preserve, which has educational and recreational programming throughout the year. There is an arts community in a small-town atmosphere that supports a local bookstore hosting art shows and a theater housed within an historic school. A favorite option is spending the day on Lake Sidney Lanier; perhaps enjoying trout fishing on the Chattahoochee River below Buford Dam or relaxing in a multitude of park areas around the lake, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, that provide picnicking, campgrounds, boat launching ramps, swimming areas, group picnic shelters and hiking trails. The addition of the Big Creek Greenway, which originates in the LCI Study area, will also provide excellent recreational opportunities for residents as well as visitors. These recreational amenities add to the quality of life that attracts employers and employees alike to the county and are of consequence for retaining a diverse workforce who will want to stay in the area based on its character and lifestyle options.

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Underway

EDI-6 Develop development package of information for Study Area

Encouragement of entrepreneurship and small business is the cornerstone of the local economy, resulting in greater job opportunities and contribution to local cash flow when compared with existing or relocating businesses that may bring commerce without job creation. Encouraging successful job growth depends on a supportive environment for the entrepreneurial spirit. Forsyth County‟s economic development best practices have been recognized as an “Entrepreneur Friendly” community initiated in August of 2004 by the Georgia Department of Economic Development. During the “Entrepreneur Friendly” process, a team of local leaders, entrepreneurs and small business owners were guided to recognize entrepreneur and small business resource providers, identify unique and entrepreneurial assets within the community, interview local resource providers and garner valuable information such as what they need to grow and the specific challenges that will need to be addressed in this endeavor.

Best practices recognized in the county include the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce‟s Small Business Services Center (SBSC), a liaison program engaging representatives from civic and business organizations. SBSC is made up of a volunteer group within the Chamber, which oversees the entrepreneur and small business support programs and initiatives. Forsyth County Government has extended its Local Small Business Initiative to promote opportunities with small area businesses. The program is designed to return as much taxpayer money as possible to the local economy, while at the same time fostering inclusiveness with the county‟s procurement activities in an effort to provide more opportunities for businesses. The initiative was first approved by the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners in April 2009 and ran through December 31, 2009. The Board has since approved to extend the initiative through December 31, 2011. To participate, local businesses responding to a county solicitation or bid must submit an affidavit demonstrating they have met all pertinent requirements. A business that meets all requirements and submits a responsible bid will be given a local preference credit of 3%. Forsyth County realizes doing business locally can benefit the community as a whole, by keeping tax dollars in the county and helping area businesses thrive.

In 2008, the Chamber created the community's first ever small business accelerator designed to seek out small business owners and entrepreneurs who have an established business plan and product who are ready to grow their business; assist those companies that are looking for stand-alone office space to locate into a shared services facility, provide mentoring and business coaching through community business leaders and stakeholders to foster business growth, and to create an initiative centered around job creation and community-based "economic gardening.” To expand on these concepts, the Chamber is currently

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compiling a Small Business Tool Kit to consolidate a myriad of resources and information available to local small business owners or aspiring business owners.

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2006-2010

Report of Accomplishments:

The following tables provide detailed information regarding all McFarland – Stoney Point Livable

Centers Initiative projects originally planned for implementation years 2006-2010 and specifies the

status of these projects with updated information as of December 2010.

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2010-2015

Five Year Implementation Plan:

The following is a schedule of implementation for the aforementioned transportation projects,

transportation-related initiatives, land use and economic development initiatives. Emphasis is

placed on the short-term (5-year) recommended actions, which signify community priorities.

Detailed information for these initiatives, originally included in the McFarland – Stoney Point

Livable Centers implementation plan for years 2006-2010, has been revised to reflect best

assessments as of December 2010.

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Long-Range Implementation Plan:

The following is a schedule of implementation for the aforementioned transportation projects,

transportation-related initiatives, land use and economic development initiatives. Emphasis is

placed on long-range recommended actions, which are five years out or more. Detailed

information for these initiatives, originally included in the McFarland – Stoney Point Livable Centers

implementation plan for years 2006-2010, has been revised to reflect best assessments as of

December 2010.

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