Westmont hires independent economic development advisor to push proactive recruitment

The Village of Westmont approved an independent contractor agreement Aug. 7 to retain an economic development advisor to expand proactive business recruitment and support incentive evaluations. The board voted to authorize the contract by a unanimous roll-call vote. Assistant Village Manager Parker explained the hire is intended to supplement the village's existing relationship with the Westmont Chamber of Commerce by adding a role focused on proactive recruitment: identifying target uses for specific vacant parcels, pursuing prospective businesses and advising on incentive structures for larger projects. Parker said the chamber will continue business retention and reactive recruitment work; the advisor will add a new, proactive dimension. Trustees said the advisor has local experience and a track record in DuPage County, and called the selection timely for Westmont's competitive position in the region. The motion to approve the independent contractor agreement for economic development advisor services (mover: Trustee Scales; seconder: Trustee Plowman) passed on roll call with all trustees voting yes. The contract parties and basic scope were described at the meeting as authorizing proactive outreach, developer engagement and assistance evaluating projects that may require incentives; the transcript did not list a contract term or dollar amount. Parker and trustees indicated staff will provide further details on timing and scope. No fiscal details were presented in the meeting record provided to the board at the time of the vote.