A community-driven plan for economic recovery

The Central Coast Economic Recovery Initiative (ERI) is a set of policy concepts, program ideas, and proposals to stimulate post-pandemic economic recovery and longterm vitality on the Central Coast, focusing on housing, clean energy, and infrastructure investment. The goals and objectives identified in the ERI have been developed in alignment with the REACH 2030 Plan initiatives of fostering the start-up, attraction, and expansion of high-wage industries including cleantech and renewable energy, and developing a regionally coordinated investment strategy for housing, transportation, water, and broadband infrastructure. While other regional economic development efforts are longer term in focus, the ERI is intended to drive immediate decision-making and meaningful action by 2023.

The purpose of the ERI is to provide a process for advancing specific project, program, and policy ideas utilizing strategic partnerships throughout the Central Coast region, as well as provide a mechanism for ongoing community participation in local economic recovery efforts. Through partnership with the Initiative for Climate Leadership and Resilience at Cal Poly, ERI objectives will be analyzed by Action Teams consisting of faculty, students, local subject matter experts, and community members to develop high-quality economic, social, and environmental analysis. This analysis, provided at low or no cost to local governments, will allow local decision-makers to make more informed strategic decisions in a streamlined and fiscally responsible manner.  

Community participation is a key tenet of the ERI. Community members and stakeholders are encouraged to provide input on goals and objectives in the ERI, as well as propose new ideas for potential analysis. Community members and local subject matter experts are also encouraged to participate in the study and implementation process by joining an Action Team. Current Action Teams can be viewed here.

Considering that the San Luis Obispo County region will be receiving $85 million in American Rescue Plan relief funds, with the potential for millions more in federal infrastructure investment, now is the time to pursue bold and innovative actions to attract and leverage federal funding to ensure a rapid economic recovery.