Amador County – The Amador County Regional Planning Committee announced last week that it is planning a forum that will help build Amador County’s future around its unique characters.

Committee Chairman Keith Sweet of the Jackson City Council announced plans for the forum to be held March 29, which is entitled: “Building a Prosperous Future On Amador’s Unique Character: Coordinating Tourism, Growth, and Economic Development.”

Sweet said the forum, hosted by the Amador Regional Planning Committee, should be attended by people “interested in positive economic development … that enhances the character of our county,” and who would “like to know how other communities have used vision, planning and asset-based economic development to build a positive future.

The forum will be presented by Ed McMahon, a “nationally renowned authority on sustainable economic development, environmentally sensitive land development, urban design and historic preservation.” McMahon “will discuss how heritage and cultural tourism, growth, and economic development can exist and thrive together through regional planning that preserves Amador’s picturesque beauty, a major economic driver.”

McMahon said the two “presentations are expected to generate practical ideas, implementation strategies and possible future projects for city and county planners and elected officials. Future speakers and presentations will continue the dialogues generated by this event.”

He said: “Good city and county planning is the result of hard work by elected officials, appointed planners and paid staff, concerned citizens and planning consultants. It also involves a constant updating of skills, implementation of proven strategies and the willingness to be open to new ideas.”

This public forum is hosted by the Amador Regional Planning Committee, which is made up of elected officials and members of regional county organizations. The committee invited McMahon to speak at two public presentations on Tuesday, March 29th, 2011.

Sweet said a free luncheon is offered, as space is available. The two public presentations will take place in the Supervisors Chambers, at the county admin building, 810 Court Street, Jackson, CA.

At 9-11 a.m. is “The Dollars and Sense of Preserving Community Character.” From 7-9 p.m. is “Tourism and Economic Development: What’s the Link?”

The free, “space available” luncheon and “focused discussion for all city and county elected officials, planning department personnel, appointed planners, sponsors and members of the public” will be held from noon to 2 p.m. at Thomi’s Banquet Room, in Jackson. As seating is limited seating, attendees are asked to RSVP by contacting Keith Sweet at 419-3770.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.