EDAC? WHAT IS THE COUNTY VISION? WHO IS “IN CHARGE” ?

 WHAT IS EDAC: There exists some confusion, and recent questions asked, seeking information of a variety of organizations and programs now under discussion in El Dorado County (EDC). For those new to current efforts and reporting in this newsletter, we address a few pertinent issues here and offer ways to get involved. To fully understand current efforts regarding economic development, local land use and community development, we recommend going to the county’s Land Use Policy Programmatic Update (LUPPU) website @ http://www.edcgov.us/landuseupdate

Q: “I keep hearing about El Dorado County’s (EDC) vision – what is it?”

A: The “vision” referred to in the Board of Supervisors’ (BOS) meeting where this question was asked is found in the 2004 General Plan – an adopted 400+-page “Plan for Managed Growth and Open Roads: A Plan for Quality Neighborhoods and Traffic Relief”. State planning law requires a legally adequate general plan that sets forth EDC’s long-range direction and policies for the use of land within the county. Following years in development, years of public input, surviving a legal challenge and ultimately ratified by a majority of county voters, the plan provides methods for addressing issues of the greatest local concern, including economic development, housing, transportation, public services and agriculture. It also provides a basis for rational decision making regarding long-term physical development. There is a Statement of Vision found on page 3, but to fully comprehend how all chapters work together requires a full reading of most, if not all, nine elements.

Q: “What is “EDAC” and “Regulatory Reform” and what’s the difference?”

A: In this context “EDAC” stands for the EDC Economic Development Advisory Committee (not to be confused with the other group sharing this acronym, the El Dorado Arts Council). EDAC was created in response to policy direction found in the General Plan (GP) on page 348, Objective 10.1.1. EDAC is the “recognized economic development organization to advise and recommend…policies and a course of action…” EDAC is comprised of 11 volunteers appointed by the BOS to advise them regarding policies, project approvals, and courses of action designed to facilitate sustainable economic growth. As a standing county committee the group complies with Brown Act and public meeting requirements governing California.

Regulatory Reform is an ad hoc sub-committee of EDAC, a working group of volunteers that seeks to unravel the policies reported to be detrimental to local economic growth. These volunteers morphed into a variety of “working groups” that self-organized and volunteer to research problems, provide reports, suggest solutions and make recommendations for appropriate change, to the full EDAC and/or Board of Supervisors. Reg Reform meets each Friday morning in the county’s Building C TAC room, in order to seek and engage community input. Various working groups come and go as need- ed, and report on their activities at this Friday morning meeting.

Q: “Who’s in charge of these groups?”

A: EDAC is supported by the County Administrative Office (CAO) who provides technical support as required. The “agenda” is set by the 11-member committee and accommodates community requests for presentation of issues and/or projects. Regulatory Reform regularly reports on issues to the full EDAC.

As an ad hoc collection of volunteers, Regulatory Reform has no official members: all interested parties and members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend. The agenda is established as needed (often based on upcoming Board of Supervisors’ meeting agendas), and as working groups provide input and/or public requests dictate. To receive notices of meeting schedules, send your email address to: economic.development@edcgov.us