The main job of corporate executives, owners of a partnership, and sole proprietors is to make decisions. The selection of an office site can be the most important decision a leader will make. We present here a list of the most common mistakes made in site selection, followed by a checklist covering the critical items that should have been investigated during the site selection process. After completing the checklist and collecting information on anything that was missed, you must make the final decision to relocate. by Stephen Levy and Martha Davis California’s economic prosperity and high quality of life will be threatened by the coming surge of growth unless land use decision making is greatly improved, according to a report released recently by the Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy. The report, Land Use and the California Economy: Principles for Prosperity and Quality of Life, was commissioned by Californians and the Land, a project sponsored by several major California foundations concerned about the future of land use in the State. “This report highlights California’s strengths a strong economy and good quality of life,” stated Candace Skarlatos, Vice President of the Bank of America. “It makes a compelling business case for improving land use decision making in California so that the State will continue to attract world class businesses and workers as well as maintain a high quality of life for ourselves and for future generations,” Skarlatos said. The Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy (CCSCE) forecasts that California will add 5.1 million jobs and 12.4 million people by the year 2020 and will need 4.3 million more housing units by that time. “A high quality of life is increasingly important to California’s lead industries,” said Stephen Levy, CCSCE’s Director. The report finds that most business and community leaders agree on the core elements of a high quality of life for the State: a range of affordable housing, efficient transportation, clear air and water, good schools, vital and livable cities, and cultural and recreational amenities. “Land use decisions affect nearly all aspects of the State’s quality of life,” Levy continued, “and the current system for making those choices will not work well for California’s 21st century economy.” The report concludes that the following principles for improving land use decision making in California are needed to meet the State’s goals for continued economic prosperity and high quality of life: 1. Regional perspectives are required; 2. Land must be used more efficiently; 3. Public investment is required; 4. Fiscal reform is essential; and, 5. Equity considerations must be included. Californians and the Land believes that the time is ripe for an examination of the connection between land use choices and the state’s economy,” said Martha Davis, CAL’s Executive Director. “Californians don’t want to choose between economic growth and quality of life, they want to find ways to achieve both.” “We hope that this report will help people who are concerned about California’s future to find a common ground in planning for that future,” Davis continued. The report, Land Use and the California Economy: Principles for Prosperity and Quality of Life, can be obtained from Californians and the Land at 201 Mission Street, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105 (415-777-0487). Stephen Levy is Director, Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy. Martha Davis is Director, Californians and the Land.
