Verde River Economic Development Study

(VREDS)

Briefing for Margaret BowmanWalton Family Foundation

May 23, 2011

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The VREDS Mission:

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To conduct an appraisal-level study for

the Walton Family Foundation

Appraisal

Implementation

Feasibility

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•To determine the feasibility of establishing the economic value of the Verde River in the study area;

•To determine whether an investment of additional resources in the Verde Valley might positively impact sustainable economic development, and thereby, lead to and sustain a healthy Verde River;

•To determine the most efficient and effective methods to educate the public and its policy makers about the value of the river and its relationship to the economic development of the Verde Valley, including providing advice on whether this work could be done by existing entities in the Verde Valley or if a new entity is needed.

The Goals:

The Process:

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• Review existing literature related to economic development and the Verde River.

• Review relevant studies or publications related to similar situations in other areas.

• Interview stakeholders, public officials, opinion leaders/community leaders and members of the general public.

• Analyze and summarize responses to interview questions.

• Seek additional input and clarification as needed.

• Complete study report and provide conclusions and recommendations to include practicable, economical and efficient ways to implement VREDS recommendations.

Logistics

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• Set up VREDS Website

• Conduct Interviews

• Host WFF Grantees Workshop and Develop Listserve

• Conduct Weekly Team Meetings

Preliminary Findings:

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• Interviewees perceived economic development to be loosely and indirectly tied to the health of the Verde River today.

• Significant opportunities exist to improve and strengthen the relationship between economic development and the health of the Verde River.

• Interviewees gave very consistent and similar responses to the most interview questions.

• Interviewees generally had a poor understanding of the river's ecosystem and the threats and opportunities associated with it.

• A significant related study, "Verde River Corridor Study" (1989-1991), while producing substantive findings, was not implemented.

• Many previous studies have been “put on the shelf” and never implemented. We believe we know why and how to avoid that fate.

• Social Networking will play a major role in the implementation of any future actions. See: Verde River on Facebook

Mazlow’s Hierarchy of Needs

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Millennial Generation

Generation X

Baby Boomers

The “Greatest Generation”

Subsistence-Level People

Some Keys to Success

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Increased and improved public access to the river, including enhanced

interpretation and education.

Regional “branding" which identifies the Verde Valley as a River Community.

A professional organization accountable for implementation of the findings and recommendations of the VREDS study.

Next Steps:

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• Complete the in-depth analysis of interviews (keywording, statistical verification of conclusions, etc.)

• Assess successes and failures of previous studies and their recommendations

• Complete final report and recommendations

• Follow-up with a feasibility study to determine best way to implement recommendations of this report, including timelines, estimated costs and strategic action plan

Questionsand

Comments

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Verde River Economic Development Study

Doug Von Gausig Jane Whitmire Becky O’Banion Casey Rooney