1. Economic Development

Western Riverside County is a subregion rich in diversity, resources, and labor.  WRCOG is committed to supporting economic recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 and ongoing economic resilience by establishing a common vision and brand identity for the subregion and enhancing the subregion’s ability to attract new businesses and private investment thereby improving the overall quality of life for its residents.

Action:

  • Support legislation that will assist businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
  • Collaborate with public and private sector stakeholders on policy and funding matters that enhance economic development and quality of life in Western Riverside County.
  • Support legislation that encourages technology to assist jurisdictions and the education system in attracting potential businesses and educating future workers (e.g., wireless internet access). 
  • Support legislative action that streamlines the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process and modernizes CEQA law. 
  • Support legislation that would encourage employers to open satellite facilities for residents who work outside of Western Riverside County or commute long distances within the region for employment, implement telecommuting, and other transportation demand management strategies. 
  • Support legislation that expands marketability of the subregion and provides opportunities to “brand” Western Riverside County as a destination location and a desirable place to live, work, and play. 
  • Support legislation that facilitates collaboration between local government, education, and business.
  • Oppose legislation that is harmful to the business climate in Western Riverside County.
  • Support legislation that encourages the State of California to offer enhanced economic development tools to improve our competitiveness with other states. 
  • Support legislation that would maintain existing and/or allocate new grant funding for coordinated local and regional economic development efforts. 
  • Support legislation that would offer funding and assistance to enable jurisdictions to continue redevelopment activities. 
  • Oppose legislation that would encourage or incentivize businesses to leave Western Riverside County. 
  • Support legislation that would encourage graduates of local colleges and universities to stay in Western Riverside County. 
  • Support legislation that facilitates remittance of sales tax dollars on e-commerce purchases.
  • Support legislation that recognizes the importance of economic development in helping to solve air quality, transportation and housing related issues within the region through the expansion and attraction of businesses and jobs. 
  • Support initiatives that spur entrepreneurship and facilitate the development of innovation business parks, incubators and other assets that encourage business growth, access to capital and mentorship in the subregion.
  • Support economic development within existing and emerging industries that support a reduction in greenhouse gas and that incentivize development of local clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction technologies.
  • Support legislation that encourages the creation of jobs near housing to improve the jobs / housing balance.
  • Oppose legislation that would encourage or incentivize businesses to leave Western Riverside County.