The economic development function has several purposes: job creation; job retention; stabilization or increase of the local tax base; and job diversification. Having formed a public-private partnership with the local chamber of commerce, utility companies, banks and real estate developers, this office is the beginning stage for formulating and coordinating all economic development programs. Under Ohio statutory law, the state gives local governments economic development tools in which to implement a comprehensive plan. Some of these tools include: zoning land for industry and businesses; providing amenities and infrastructure; underwriting risk, and creating an ongoing economic development financing and promotion capacity.