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1 A number of measures have also been implemented aimed at improving air quality, including vehicle idling policies and the establishment of a large fleet of hybrid vehicles. Other efforts go beyond those directed within the county organization itself. Land use regulations are in place that encourage development in areas with existing infrastructure and provide for the preservation of farmland and rural areas. An incubator farm was opened to train new farmers to help meet the demand for fresh, local food and to keep land in agricultural production. A food policy council was appointed by the Board of Commissioners and charged with ' performing research, educating the community, developing strategies and making policy recommendations that will encourage the development of a robust, sustainable local food economy and a healthier population. A Resilient and Robust Local Economy A sustainable community is prosperous because of a resilient and robust local economy, where a balance is struck between self reliance and trade. The purchase of local goods and services from independent businesses can build a deeper economy where a greater proportion of money ' re- circulates locally, rather than leaving the community and traveling to corporate headquarters in another state or country. Locally -owned businesses are more likely to be rooted in the community, and less likely to ' relocate as a result of global economic pressures, as compared to publically traded national or multinational companies. And, a community where independent businesses prosper is likely to be a community where entrepreneurs and creativity thrive. 0 C Independent, locally owned businesses in communities that value and encourage entrepreneurs and creativity also help to define a community and give it character, differentiating it from others — an important feature in an age of homogeneity where all metro areas have a striking similarity. This local differentiation, or place -based character, can actually put a community at a competitive advantage. In the global, knowledge- based, creative economy written about by people such as Richard Florida and Daniel Pink, place -based character is an asset, a magnet. The Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State University raises this important question: "How will North Carolina move from an economic development strategy focused on company branch recruitment to one that grows creative workers and entrepreneurs ?" Consistent with its vision and goals, the Board of Commissioners seeks to engage the community to identify and understand these issues and challenges, and develop strategies that lead to success. G -5 Attachment number 1 Page 290