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Santa Fe EDC tables website overhaul, agrees to create Facebook page once new coordinator is hired
Summary
The board chose to table a planned overhaul or migration of the EDC website until a new coordinator is in place, citing the need for the director’s input; the board approved creating an EDC Facebook page but directed that work and posting not begin until the new coordinator assumes the role.
At the Jan. 28 meeting the Santa Fe Economic Development Corporation discussed options for its web presence and social media, then took two separate actions: the board voted to table any substantive website overhaul until a new coordinator/director is hired, and it approved creation of an official EDC Facebook page while directing that active management and posting wait until the new coordinator is on board.
Board members discussed the differences and costs of options. Board discussion referenced maintaining the EDC site under the City of Santa Fe umbrella versus having a stand-alone site. Staff and board members said a city-hosted EDC page would cost roughly $2,000–$2,500 annually, whereas a stand-alone, vendor-built site was discussed in the ballpark of $4,500–$5,000 per year for maintenance after an initial build cost that could be roughly double in the first year.
Several directors said the site as currently published is “basic” and could be improved, but they repeatedly stated that bringing the new coordinator into the conversation first would allow the incoming director to set priorities and advise on vendor selection. Terry O’Connell made a motion to table the website item; the motion was seconded by Gary Somerville and carried by voice vote.
On the Facebook item, board members debated whether a social page could be maintained and monitored and whether the city communications staff could assist. Some directors said a Facebook page provides instant updates and event promotion and that city staff could assist with monitoring. After discussion a motion to create an EDC Facebook page was moved, seconded and approved; board members directed that the page not be actively used until the new coordinator is assigned and priorities for posting are set.
