Local Program - Position Statement

ECONOMIC HEALTH OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY

Position (December 2004, updated May 2006)

The League of Women Voters of Montgomery County supports a healthy economy in our county. There are many factors that contribute to economic health including business and industry, education and training, recreation and tourism, health care, and housing. Cooperation and coordination among the city, the county, and other local entities are exceedingly important to the economic health and development of Montgomery County, and directly impact all these factors. Genuine dialogue among all players in the community with continued education and understanding of what is involved in economic development is essential.

Consistent, focused, and coherent activity with consideration given to long-term goals is vital. A willingness to invest real resources when needed is also important.

To be successful, our entire community must be more welcoming and supportive of those establishing or running local businesses, those choosing to live here (regardless of where they work), new people to our community, and those interested in participating in the community—including those seeking elected and appointed offices.

Crawfordsville and Montgomery County can have different priorities and emphases. What the city chooses to do in development and redevelopment and what the county chooses may be different. However, elected/appointed officials and economic development players must share information about economic opportunities and consciously work to avoid public misunderstandings that send conflicting and negative messages. Actively building partnerships between government and local organizations (e.g., Chamber of Commerce, MCED, local businesses, service organizations, nonprofit groups, schools, IVY Tech, and Wabash College) will expand opportunities and build ties within the community.

Cooperative planning for smart growth will foster the community’s ability to provide the needed infrastructure (including utilities, high-speed internet access, and transportation) in an orderly economic pattern and avoid costly demands for services.

Parks and recreational opportunities contribute to the economic well-being of our community. They benefit Crawfordsville and Montgomery County economically by:

increasing tourism;
providing a wide range of opportunities for citizens to improve their health and consequently their productivity and longevity; and
creating a sense of community and quality of life that attracts prospective citizens, businesses, and industry.

Tourism and recreation facilities and events contribute millions of outside dollars in direct expenditures, generating tax revenue, creating jobs, and increasing retail business.

Private and public recreational programs attract additional grant income and enhance the image of Crawfordsville and Montgomery County, as well as generate income that significantly benefits the Crawfordsville Parks and Recreation Department and local businesses. Long-range planning and adequate funding for facilities and staff are essential to optimizing these economic benefits.

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