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<br /> <br />DRAFT FEBRUARY 7, 2012 <br />5Ǥͳ <br />–”‘†—…–‹‘ <br />La Porte’s economy does not exist in a vacuum. It is inextricably <br />Strong Metropolitan Growth <br />linked to the economic fortunes of both metropolitan Houston and <br /> <br />the global economy. The economic drivers that have historically <br />The Houston metropolitan area was <br />sustained the City’s economy, including manufacturing, <br />recently rated among the 20 fastest- <br />construction, and transportation and warehousing, have suffered <br />growing economic regions in the <br />1 <br />during the recent recession. However, with the City’s proximity to <br />world, coming in at No. 19 on a list <br />the Port of Houston, including both the Barbours Cut and Bayport <br />compiled by the Washington-based <br />Terminals, a short commute to Houston’s Central Business District <br />Brookings Institute. <br />(CBD), and rail linkages to the rest of the country, La Porte is well <br /> <br />positioned to benefit from a resurgence of the global economy. <br />Source: Houston Chronicle, Houston earns high <br />marks for strong economy. Jan. 21, 2012. <br />Accordingly, as the national and global economies fully recover <br /> <br />2 <br />from this recession,the City will be primed for growth, particularly <br />with the expansion of the Panama Canal and its predicted associated <br />3 <br />increase in containerized shipping. <br /> <br />Despite these strong indicators, the City has additional issues it must <br />consider. First, there is limited land remaining for development. In these <br />areas, the City should seek a balance of land uses: residential, commercial, <br />industrial, as well as park and recreation areas, streets, drainage, etc. While <br />industrial expansion is attractive due to an increased tax base and jobs, this <br />may not represent the collective vision for the community and its sense of <br />livability. For this reason, this plan advocates open public dialogue and sound <br />leadership to make decisions that are in the best and broad interests of the <br />community. <br /> <br />“Economic <br />Economic development is as much about quality as it is about quantity. It <br />Development” is … <br />needs to be measured not just by gross tax revenues and job growth, but <br /> <br />also by job quality and security; the impact on local wages, public services, <br />the application of public <br />and the environment; and the proportion of locally-owned to absentee- <br />resources to stimulate <br />controlled businesses; among other factors. <br />private investment. <br /> <br />Secondly, economic development does not happen on its own. It requires a <br />deliberate, proactive strategy, as well as up-front public investment in new <br />infrastructure and program development. Once begun though, it can start a <br />virtuous cycle: It helps hold the line on taxes through tax base growth thus, <br />creating an even more attractive place for businesses, as well as households. <br /> <br />1 <br /> Comparison of total jobs in zip codes 77571 and 77507 between 2006 versus 2009 <br />shows a slight decrease in total number of jobs. U.S. Census Bureau, OnTheMap <br />Application and LEHD Origin-Destination Employment Statistics (Beginning of <br />nd <br />Quarter Employment, 2 Quarter of 2002-2010). <br />2 <br /> The 2008/2009 recession has been defined as starting in December 2007 and <br />ending June 2009. Business Cycle Dating Committee of the National Bureau of <br />Economic Research. September 20, 2010. <br />3 <br /> H-GAC Regional Goods Movement Study – Final Report. Dec. 2011. <br />5.2 <br /> <br />Chapter 5 <br /> <br />