By Stephanie Johns
Staff Writer

The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy of the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission (NEGRC) has been on the organization’s website at negrc.org for public review and comment.
According to Burke Walker, director of Planning and Government Services of the NEGRC, no comments had been made as of Sept. 21.
“People have read the document and shared informally that they think it looks good and appropriate,” he said, adding that they would love to have the public make formal comments as to whether they agree or disagree with the strategy.
Walker explained that the strategy looks at various economic indicators such as infrastructure, transportation and workforce from the region, which includes Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Elbert, Greene, Jackson, Jasper, Madison, Morgan, Newton, Oconee, Oglethorpe and Walton counties.
Two representatives from each county attended a series of three meetings. During the meetings they were provided information about the region and discussed the region’s strengths and weaknesses.
Walker said that the document identifies the region’s footprint and that representatives worked together to enhance that footprint.
“Each county does its own economic development program,” he said. “For this we look at the region, its strengths and how we can make it more viable.”
Walker said that they met their August deadline and that the strategy will be up for adoption at the next NEGRC council meeting on Oct. 18.
Public comments will be accepted through Oct. 1. To view the document, go to www.negrc.org, click on the "Planning & Government Services" tab toward the top of the page, then click on “Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy” along the left side of the page. This will pull up the draft as well as three appendices.
To comment, email Walker directly at bwalker@negrc.org.

Printed in the September 27, 2012 edition