n the site selection process, local government either gets in your way and slows things down, or paves the way and expedites development.
      The City of Redding in "Upstate California" has done the latter by investing local tax dollars to develop the Stillwater Business Park and designing the park in ways that simplify the permit process. By developing its own large-parcel, master-planned business park, Redding has taken unanswered site development questions out of the equation.
      Located strategically – half way between Los Angeles and Seattle – Redding provides excellent access to West Coast markets and, with its own electric utility and a large available work force, Redding is competitive from operating and cost standpoints. In addition to those and other local assets, Redding benefits from a large State-of-California-established enterprise zone which provides significant tax credits for equipment and employee wages.  So, from logistic, cost and quality-of-life standpoints, Redding had the ingredients companies seek. What it did lack, however, were large, "ready to go" sites.
      Redding realized the need for them as its economy transitioned from forest products to other industries. City officials found they were coming up empty attracting prospects that were looking for large sites. So, they decided to take the guesswork out of the site-selection process by building Stillwater, a 700-acre, fully entitled, master-planned park. Now, after years of design and environmental review, the Stillwater Business Park is under construction and will be ready in 2009. 
      Why city-developed large sites? Redding recognized it would take local government to fill the niche and supply sites that can accommodate a 130+ acre user. In Stillwater's case, city government is the developer and owner, with strong support from local businesses and the community. Redding has committed over $20 million in city funds for the project, but the city's investment has the potential to attract 10,000 jobs and additional investment.
      To attract businesses, Redding created a process that eliminates discretionary permits, environmental impact reports and costly infrastructure improvements, issues that often complicate large site selection. 
      "Get out of the way or help pave the way" has been Redding's approach, and at Stillwater they're living that promise. More is found at www.stillwaterbusinesspark.com.