Economic development survey seeks local input

HAYDEN — Panhandle Area Council, an economic development district for Idaho's five northern counties, is seeking citizens' opinion for a regionwide survey to help forge the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy.

"This will be a locally based, regionally driven economic development plan that identifies strategies to guide regional economic development, encourage partnerships and collaboration, and improve economic outcomes and overall quality of life for people living in North Idaho," says a press released issued by PAC.

The CEDS is developed every five years and falls under the authority of Section 302 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965.

Each of the five northern counties’ respective economic development organizations, in collaboration with PAC, will set the framework for the larger CEDS committee to meet and develop a plan for North Idaho that the whole community can take ownership of.

The survey will help build applicable strategies based on an analysis of the region’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

"We are encouraging the participation of all community members from Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties to share their thoughts and opinions in order to develop this regional strategy," said Nancy Mabile, economic development planner at PAC.

"Without the community’s input, we can’t make Idaho the place we want it to be."

Anyone interested in participating in the survey should visit www.pacni.org. There is a pop-up on the homepage that will redirect you to the survey, which takes about 5 minutes to complete. The survey will end on Tuesday, April 30, at 9 p.m.