Economic development work helps prepare Norfolk, region for growth
Economic development work helps prepare Norfolk, region for growth Norfolk Daily News
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MADISON COUNTY AND CITY OF NORFOLK INVEST IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND
The contributions that Madison County and the City of Norfolk make to the city’s economic development fund are investments designed to grow the Norfolk area economy.
Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning said economic growth helps to increase property valuation and sales taxes that hopefully will widen the tax base.
And over time, economic growth is needed to broaden the tax base so it is more affordable for everyone.
Activities by the City of Norfolk Economic Development Office
Candice Alder, the City of Norfolk economic development director, presented about a 30-minute overview of activities by her office in the past year during the meeting of the Madison County Board of Commissioners.
The discussion included various areas such as business recruitment and expansion, entrepreneurship and business development, community revitalization and development efforts, and issues affecting the economic vitality of the area.
Alder highlighted the following achievements:
- Melissa Figueroa joined the office in May 2022 as a business resource specialist, overseeing incentives and grant opportunities.
- Mikah Wheeler joined in October as the economic development coordinator, focusing on identifying commercial and industrial sites for inclusion in the city’s property database.
- Master plan development for a 230-acre site owned by the late Paul McIntosh family, with assistance from an NPPD site readiness assistance program grant.
- Expansion projects by Milk Specialties and Norfolk Crush, supported by site and building project grants.
- Master planning for the Bradford Business Park and facilitation of heavy commercial and light industrial uses.
- Responding to information requests from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and competing against multiple states in the Midwest.
- Availability of over 500 acres with land options, locking in prices for prospective companies.
- Sponsorship of Intersect Incubator and Coworker Space in downtown Norfolk.
- Participation in the Entrepreneurial Community Activation Process (ECAP) in Battle Creek, Tilden, Newman Grove, and Meadow Grove.
- Assistance with community priorities in Madison County.
Positive Outlook for Norfolk’s Growth
Both commissioners and City of Norfolk officials expressed their satisfaction with the new housing developments in recent years and their optimism for future growth.
Commissioner Ron Schmidt raised the question of potential businesses that could locate next to Norfolk Crush, highlighting the opportunities presented by the expanding campus.
Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning emphasized the exciting prospects brought by projects such as the conversion of the CIE ethanol plant to produce higher-end products.
Moenning expressed his appreciation for the county’s partnership with the city and hoped for a long-term commitment to economic development.
County Board Chairman Troy Uhlir affirmed his support for the partnership and acknowledged the need to revisit the reserves reduction in two years.
Uhlir also mentioned the Property Tax Request Act, which requires political subdivisions to inform taxpayers about property tax increases, expressing understanding for the frustrations of residents who pay taxes.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The article discusses economic development, business recruitment and expansion, entrepreneurship, community revitalization, and development efforts. These topics are closely related to SDG 8, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The article also mentions the planning of industrial sites, which aligns with SDG 9, which aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. Additionally, the article highlights the growth of Norfolk as a city and the addition of new housing, which relates to SDG 11’s objective of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 percent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries.
- SDG 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
- SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
- SDG 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product.
- SDG 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
Based on the article’s content, the targets mentioned above can be identified. The article discusses economic growth, job creation, entrepreneurship, and innovation, which align with SDG 8.1 and SDG 8.3. The planning of industrial sites and the development of infrastructure correspond to SDG 9.1 and SDG 9.2. The addition of new housing in Norfolk relates to SDG 11.1.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Number of new jobs created
- Investment in infrastructure projects
- Percentage increase in property valuation
- Number of businesses recruited or expanded
- Number of housing units added
The article mentions the creation of new jobs through business expansions and investments in infrastructure projects. These indicators can be used to measure progress towards SDG 8.1, SDG 8.3, and SDG 9.2. The increase in property valuation and the addition of new housing units can be indicators for measuring progress towards SDG 11.1.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 percent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries. | – Number of new jobs created |
| 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation. | – Number of businesses recruited or expanded | |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure. | – Investment in infrastructure projects |
| 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product. | – Number of new jobs created | |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums. | – Percentage increase in property valuation – Number of housing units added |
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Source: norfolkdailynews.com
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