HomeMy WebLinkAbout005 2025-03-05_report Engage JC1 Goal ED-G-4: Work with economic development interests to review barriers and consider flexible regulations
that incentivize innovation.
Potential Inequitable Outcome:
Favoring larger developers and businesses: While flexible regulations could encourage innovation, they might
disproportionately benefit larger companies or developers with more resources, leaving smaller businesses or
community-led initiatives at a disadvantage.
Lack of safeguards for equity: If the regulations are not carefully reviewed, there could be a tendency to prioritize
economic growth at the expense of equity. For example, incentives might be more readily available to businesses
that have the resources to navigate complex regulations, sidelining those that need assistance most.
2 Goal ED-G-1: Improve and enhance coordination with federal, state, regional, tribal, and local economic
development groups.
Potential Inequitable Outcome:
Exclusion of certain community stakeholders: While this goal mentions coordination with various groups, it does
not specify whether underrepresented or marginalized communities (e.g., low-income populations, minority
groups, or rural residents) will be actively involved. If not, these groups could remain excluded from the
economic opportunities that arise from this coordination.
Focus on mainstream stakeholders: There is a risk that large and more powerful development entities may
dominate the coordination, overlooking the needs and input of smaller, local businesses or community members.
3 While Jefferson County’s economic development goals focus on enhancing the local economy and creating
opportunities, there are several areas where inequitable outcomes could emerge:
Access to Opportunities: There's a risk that some groups, particularly those in rural areas, lower-income
households, and marginalized communities, may not have equal access to the opportunities presented by these
goals.
Focus on Wealthier Areas: Goals like promoting tourism or infrastructure development might disproportionately
benefit wealthier, more urban areas, while leaving poorer or rural regions at a disadvantage.
Environmental and Economic Trade-offs: While environmental sustainability is important, it may inadvertently
restrict economic opportunities for communities that rely more heavily on natural resource-based industries.
To ensure these goals lead to equitable outcomes, Jefferson County should explicitly include provisions that
address these disparities and make sure that vulnerable or underserved groups are included in the economic
development process.
4 Economic & Workforce Equity (CE-G-10, CE-G-11)
Renewable energy projects (CE-G-11) and sustainable agriculture (CE-G-10) should include workforce
development opportunities for disadvantaged communities to prevent economic exclusion.
5 Public Participation & Decision-Making (CE-G-17, CE-G-18) - Expanding community partnerships (CE-G-17) and
increasing public participation (CE-G-18) are essential but must actively engage historically marginalized
communities in decision-making rather than tokenizing their involvement.
6 Environmental Justice & Burdens on Vulnerable Communities (CE-G-5, CE-G-15, CE-G-16) - Requiring green
infrastructure and low-impact development (CE-G-5) must not disproportionately increase costs for low-income
homeowners or small businesses, which could make compliance burdensome. Emergency preparedness (CE-G-
15) and transportation resilience (CE-G-16) should ensure that marginalized communities, who often face greater
transportation barriers, have equal access to evacuation routes and emergency resources.
7 Overall for climate goals recommended changes and processes needed. Explicitly incorporate equity assessments
in all climate policies to prevent unintended disparities. Include community-led decision-making processes to
ensure that solutions prioritize frontline communities. Provide financial and legal safeguards to prevent
displacement from climate adaptation strategies. Ensure that climate solutions create economic opportunities
for historically disadvantaged groups.
8 Cultural & Historic Resource Protection (CE-G-9) - While protecting historic and cultural resources is important,
this goal must ensure that the cultural sites of Indigenous, Black, and other marginalized communities receive
equal recognition and protection.
9 It would be nice to acknowledge Indigenous people who have been erased through colonialism and/or are not
federally recognized.