MO 1997-026 to 1997-030 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

7. IMPROVING COMMUNI'Ti, LIFE The primary objective of this strategy area is to maintain and improve the quality of community life in San Leandro in order to provide the type of environment in which local economic activities can thrive. Two primary EDAC vision elements reflected in the program actions described below include A Strong. Respected School System and A Vibrant Downtown. A specific subset of program actions below deals with supporting the local schools, while another group of program actions calls for a number of actions to enhance downtown San Leandro. Fundamental to any economic development effort is the notion that a city that offers a high quality of life for its people, including both residents and day time occupants. i.e. people who work in the community but live elsewhere, is a desirable place to be. This -quality of life" factor includes many things that comprise a healthy and well balanced community. such as a safe and healthy environment: attractive stores, restaurants, and cafes: parks. schools. and recreation programs for families: and a strong identity as a "place." While these elements are not typically considered in traditional economic development efforts. there is now clear evidence that businesses make location decisions based on a broad range of factors that do not just include the basics for operating their companies, like infrastructure, available land or buildings. and/or labor supply. Company decision makers are also looking for locations where they can raise their families, thus cutting down on long commute times: where they can operate without concern about high crime levels: and where their employees can fill their personal needs at lunch time or after work. Also. companies often prefer to locate in communities that enjoy a positive image that can help to enhance their own corporate image. ` This chapter includes the following four categories of actions: Supporting Local Schools. Enhancing Community Safety. Improving Community Amenities, and Promoting a Positive Community Image. Each of these categories and its associated actions are described belo�N. Each of these action categories addresses different issues, but all four reinforce the idea that a desirable place to live is also a desirable place to do business. Supporting Local Schools Actions included in this categon call for the City of San Leandro to seek opportunities to cooperate with the San Leandro Unified School District, the San Lorenzo School District, local private schools. and local businesses to improve the City's schools. A key factor in creating a community that is attractive to businesses. their employees, and their families is to provide high qualit. public schools. As with community safet}. business location decisions are heavily influenced by the qualit- of local schools. This is because business owners often are concerned with not only the school opportunities that will be available to 56