Ordinance 3454-15 with Exhibits A- C

EVERETT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN H. Human Resources. Any economy depends on an educated, healthy, labor force. Labor in the U.S. is highly mobile, but the local systems and institutions that provide ways to support human resources are very important for community economic development. For example: • Good schools attract families and are an important variable when firms decide where to locate. • Many firms rank an adequate amount and quality of labor supply as an important characteristic for choosing a community or remaining in a community. • Availability of post -secondary training that can be tailored to a particular employer's or industry's needs is important for location decisions. • Research or institutions of higher education "spin -out" or can generate new business. This has been a factor in the growth of high technology, communications, and biomedical firms in King and Snohomish Counties. Four-year educational institutions provides employment, and attract businesses that support student needs, want the expertise that is available at a four- year school, and want a young, well-trained source of entry-level employees. • Retraining and remedial human resource programs add to the quality of life for all residents. • Opportunities for continuing education enhance quality of life with courses for preparation for retirement, general interest courses, hobby training. Continuing education classes also help maintain current work force skill levels. • Cost of housing relates to human resources. To attract business and employees, the area should have a good supply of reasonably priced housing at a reasonable commute distance. • An effective transportation system supports access to employment. Extending light rail service to the southwest Everett Manufacturing and Industrial Center, downtown Everett and to the ECC / WSU area on north Broadway would help support the Vision 2040 projected employment growth of 50,000 additional jobs the PSRC expects to be located in Everett. I. Sustainable Development Sustainable development is a set of building techniques that can begin with low impact site development, and continues through the design and construction phases to a final product that is healthy, productive and attractive for its occupants and neighbors. Energy efficiency, water conservation, waste minimization, pollution prevention, resource -efficient materials, and indoor air quality concerns and impacts are addressed during design and construction, and these aspects are also managed throughout the course of the building's life. Sustainable development benefits the regional environment, while increasing the assessed valuation on individual properties. Sustainable development improves the desirability of the workplace for employees, and can improve productivity, while enhancing the customers' image of the company. This plan update addresses sustainable development in the Climate Change and Sustainability Element as well as throughout the various elements. Examples include the Urban Design and Historic Preservation Element (preserving historic structures and creating a vibrant, livable community), the Capital ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT 11