A 1997 projection cast by the East-West Gateway Coordinating Council estimated St. Charles County would reach 276,000 population by 2000 and 383,000 by 2020. Current indications are that this estimate was conservative, and that the 276,000 figure will be surpassed easily. From all indications, it seems likely that St. Charles will continue to grow for at least the next five to ten years. 383,844 Problems accompany growth. Balancing advantages and disadvantages is the responsibility of all.
Economic development is multi-faceted.
In reality, these are ultimate objectives and every community's dream. Surely it would be great to have large company after large company choose to locate in your area. However, it is not realistic to concentrate on only large-scale employers and facilities. Most job growth in fact results from and in companies of less than 100 employees. St. Charles county is a national leader in small business and even more so in micro-businesses of five employees or fewer.