Trustees weigh Placer AI subscription, market leakage study and new business development manager funding

Trustees discussed a proposed economic development allocation that would fund support for a new business development manager and a technology subscription to analyze foot-traffic and spending patterns.

Staff proposed budgeting $20,000 to support the business development manager — covering professional services such as initial marketing and setup — and a separate $15,000 quote for a Placer AI subscription that would provide real-time foot-traffic reports and related analytics. Some trustees and staff described the Buxton market-leakage study used in a prior Wellington effort (2018–2019) as more detailed for recruitment because it estimates retail spending leakage and suggests business types to pursue. Trustees asked staff to research Buxton or a similar leakage analysis for 2026 or 2027 and to compare costs and expected returns with Placer AI.

Trustees generally supported hiring the business development manager (personnel costs already budgeted in planning salaries) and asked staff to return recommendations on whether to purchase Placer AI now or hold off and commission a full market leakage analysis once the new manager is in place. Trustee comments also emphasized marketing and branding materials to attract visitors and businesses, and suggested the new manager spend initial months building relationships with local businesses and regional partners before committing to a data subscription. No purchase or contract was approved at the meeting; staff said they will bring cost comparisons and recommendations back to the board.