Business Focus

Are there enough economic and regional similarities among north Orange County cities for them to work together to encourage economic development in the area?

That is a question that Anil Puri, dean of Mihaylo College of Business and Economics, posed three years ago during a presentation at the city of Fullerton’s annual State of the City event. He asked the question and quickly heard from the city and chamber of commerce officials, who thought that indeed there are.

Since then, Fullerton and other area cities have become involved in the establishment of the North Orange County Economic Development Partnership, a coordinated effort to bring more business to the area.

“As a group, these cities can be more efficient than as individual communities,” Puri recently explained. “Such cities — Fullerton, Brea, Buena Park, La Habra, Placentia and Yorba Linda — are very similar to each other in development and focus, and can work together to identify and understand their unique economic issues and potentials. Once the question was out there, city officials and others could see that a collaborative and streamlined economic policy and strategic plan for growth would benefit all parties.”

“The city of Fullerton sees this as a great opportunity to share information, resources and opportunities,” said Nicole Bernard, economic development manager for the city of Fullerton. “Our communities have similarities and complementary uses,” she added. “We have shared goals, visions and expectations. This is a great way to work more efficiently.”

Ken Domer, assistant city administrator/development services for the city of Placentia, agrees. “The Placentia City Council believes in pursuing shared services with adjacent cities as a cost-effective and efficient way to deliver the services our residents expect. Historically, Placentia grew up as a desirable bedroom community and allowed other cities to focus on commercial opportunities. In current times, city finances depend on a comprehensive land use approach that balances commercial and residential opportunities, and the challenge for Placentia is to gain such a balance without compromising our quality of life.”

Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Co., Orange County Workforce Investment Board, Fullerton Chamber of Commerce and Cal State Fullerton also are involved.

Stakeholder focus groups have been established, and discussions conducted by the university’s Social Science Research Center to look at the economic issues facing the north region and its potential for growth. Memorandums of Understanding have been signed.

“The North Orange County cities are now working toward creating an economic strategy and implementation plan,” said Bernard. “We’re preparing to hire a consultant that will guide the partnership through the creation of a regional strategy and action plan.”

There is huge opportunity in these cities because of the closeness to higher education, the availability of reasonably priced housing and the Fullerton Transportation Center are major regional assets, said Puri.

“As a group of cities working together, we can bring in more robust retailers and workplaces to the region, benefiting each of us individually and collectively, in creating a stronger local economy,” added Domer. “The city leaders and staff are very aware that competition is ultimately short-sighted, presenting a win for a fleeting moment in time. Cooperation, on the other hand, strengthens our financial base and benefits our residents through efficient and effective use of scarce tax revenues. Through the North Orange County Economic Development Partnership, we are in this for the longtime win.”

Nov. 17, 2011