Economic Development Summit

County Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt provided his Economic Development team to help Needles make some changes.

November 29 and 30, 2007

 

Before the workshop began, there was a bus tour of the Tri-state area for County and City officials.  This impressed on the visiting county representatives how much growth and new construction there is just across the river from California.  The tour went all the way up to Laughlin through Fort Mohave and Bullhead City.  The end of the tour included visits to several key Needles infrastructure sites, some in a sad state of disrepair.

The Economic Development workshop started with a list of Needles’ assets:  Route 66, the Colorado River, it’s golf course, historic character and small town charm.  Visitors noticed clean air, pretty desert, and beautiful mountains.

Items important to Needles were discussed and placed in priority.  The top priority was to  update the 20+ year-old General Plan.  Having a plan will help Needles qualify for grants as it   shows direction and public consensus as to where we are going. 

 

Creating a Historic District was another high priority.  Some health and safety issues also really need to be addressed.  Overall, for the development of Needles, all agreed that we don’t want to look like surrounding cities – we can grow our city better.

 

The County invited Needles to their table at the High Desert Conference and at the Las Vegas Retailer Convention in April.  They can help us “sell” Needles.

 

There is also a need for a good city brochure to help market the city as a whole.  For example, the school district has trouble attracting teachers and a brochure would help entice candidates.  The Needles Chamber of Commerce has since issued a new Needles Guide in July 2008.

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