• To enhance the quality of life in Keith County and remain compatible with the development of our economic resources;

• To thoroughly plan the economic development of Keith County.  This means recognizing and anticipating the pros and cons of economic development and dealing with these factors effectively (i.e. broadening the tax base, infrastructure costs, etc.);

• To let this plan serve as a stimulus for community debate and discussion, which is essential to the process of planning economic growth;

• To take a pro-active approach in recruiting and expanding businesses in Keith County.

KCAD’s Comprehensive Economic Development Plan will not only help ensure our preparedness for growth but will also enhance our attractiveness and credibility with prospective employers.

KCAD is reviewing the following targeted industrial categories for active recruitment, which were a part of the initial economic development plan, based on such factors as the quality of life, economic resources and overall benefit of Keith County.

• Value-Added Agriculture
• Light Industry
• Warehousing and Distribution
• Technology

These categories have been chosen due to their on-going, year-round growth and stability, the resources available in the area, the amount of possible tax revenue, and the limited impact on additional public infrastructure.

In addition, KCAD recognizes that tourism, retirement living and second homes around Lake McConaughy are positive economic developments that need to be anticipated and well-planned and may be included in the targeted industry list.

KCAD also recognizes the importance of health care and retail businesses as desirable and beneficial to the economic development of Keith County.  KCAD will explore the possibility of including health care and retail business on the targeted industry list. 

The goals which evolve from these targeted industrial categories include, but are not limited to:

• Employment/Job Creation
• Population Growth
• Housing Stock Growth

To ensure that KCAD’s targeted industry list includes industry most beneficial to the economic growth of Keith County, a targeted industry study will be commissioned utilizing NPPD and DED. 

1. All public entities (Keith County, City of Ogallala, Village of Brule, and Village of Paxton) must, at a minimum, have a preliminary concept, if not a master plan, identifying how they will prepare for this growth.  They should address such issues as: infrastructure improvements; planning and zoning capabilities; law enforcement needs; fire department/ambulance capacities; water and sewer improvements; transportation needs; road improvements; airport service capacities; etc.
   
   
2. The City and Villages must correlate their annexation efforts with KCAD’s projections in determining planned growth.
   
   
3. The public school districts must plan for increased enrollment and begin making the necessary plans to accommodate this growth.