Mark your Calendar – Community Conversations

SJC Council Community Conversation

Victoria Compton over at the San Juan Economic Development Council wants you to know about these upcoming events:

April 2, 3, or 4 – Conversation Three: Economy & Jobs
#1 What do we want the County’s future economy to look like?

• How can we grow family-wage jobs?
• Can we attract cottage industries & still maintain our rural character?
• Can we broaden the economy beyond tourism?
• What is agriculture’s role in our economy beyond food?

#2 What should the County’s role be in supporting our
local economy? Will current County policies support
the economy and sustain services into the future?

• Should land use policies be modified to enable business-es and to expand?
• Should funding for Economic Development and new business opportunities be increased?

Tues. April 2 Orcas Fire Hall 6-9 pm
Wed. April 3 Lopez Arts Center 6-9 pm
Thurs. April 4 SJ/FHHS Commons 6-9 pm

April 16, 17, or 18 – Conversation Four: Priorities of Government

#1 To achieve our Quality of Life vision where would you increase or decrease current County services?

• Law Enforcement/Courts/Prosecutor?
• Emergency management?
• Public Health?
• Social Services (seniors, mental health, etc.)?
• Growth management?
• Environmental protection?
• Economic development?

#2 Growing the economy to broaden the tax base will take years. Meanwhile costs continue to rise faster than the 1% increase allowed in County property tax revenue. Should property taxes and the services they support:

• Increase slightly?
• Stay the same? Or
• Decrease slightly?

Tues. April 16 Orcas Fire Hall 6-9 pm
Wed. April 17 Lopez Arts Center 6-9 pm
Thurs. April 18 SJ/FHHS Commons 6-9 pm

Note: If you missed the first 2 conversations, you can catch up at www.sanjuanco.com/conversation

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