Strategic Plan meeting reset for Monday

Concerns about the negative national attention on Douglas County’s schools may be affecting hiring efforts, according to comments provided by business leaders on the Douglas County Strategic Plan.

County commissioners are scheduled to discuss the strategic plan no earlier than 1:30 p.m. Monday at the county courthouse, 1616 Eighth St.

“The No. 1 concern for high-potential candidates applying for or considering a higher white-collar job is related to local education,” according to the first comment provided by the Business Council of Douglas County. “Although we are proud of the Douglas School District, it doesn’t look good when compared to other parts of the country that we are attempting to bring in talent from. They are choosing the other jobs, not Douglas jobs.”

The material was provided by Council Executive Director Renea Louie and was a compilation of 40 member comments.

As a sidebar, large business owners said they are having to accept more remote leaders and workers.

The schools are not under county commissioners’ control.

According to the comments, attainable housing is the second concern

“Ultimately, the county will need to decide what they want the identity to be over the next 10 years,” the comment said. “If the goal is a retired population that is relocating from places like California, then they are on track. Several members worry about how to maintain a diverse demographic going forward with the cost of living making it hard for families starting their lives.”

That dovetailed into concerns about drawing workers from more populous areas.

“A lot of younger engineers coming out of Reno, California or Texas schools end up working remotely,” the comments continued. “Ultimately, our global companies will have to resort to putting folks where they can recruit them, not here in Douglas County.”

The meeting was originally scheduled for March 1 but was canceled due to a severe winter storm.

“The meeting is open to the public, and the community is encouraged to attend,” county spokesman Eric Cachinero said. “Public comments about the plan may be made during the public-comment portion of the meeting.”