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EDA reviews strategic plan, weighs targeted industries and how to market city sites
Summary
Dayton City EDA reviewed its strategic plan and discussed prioritizing job‑creating businesses—medical/tech/manufacturing and office space—over further warehouse development. Staff agreed to provide a monthly summary of property inquiries to the EDA.
The Dayton City Economic Development Authority spent a substantial portion of its March 18 meeting reviewing the EDA strategic plan and discussing what types of businesses the city should prioritize for recruitment.
Staff member John reviewed the plan and related documents from the city’s comprehensive and master plans. Board members said Dayton has enough warehouse space and should instead target businesses that produce higher‑wage local jobs—medical manufacturing, technology, office uses and selective retail near the interstate—rather than more distribution facilities.
John described current practice: the city receives occasional calls from site selectors, DEED and realtors but does not maintain a published, up‑to‑date list of available sites. Board members discussed the role of the private broker the city engaged: the broker’s work is oriented to buying and selling property and collecting commission; staff and members agreed that the broker will not generally market or represent sites that are not listed for sale unless specific direction and a budget are provided.
The board also discussed workforce limitations that affect prospect decisions: one past employer said about 90% of its workforce lacked driver’s licenses and relied on transit, which influenced its relocation decision. Members flagged public transit access as a constraint for certain types of manufacturing hires.
Direction to staff: John offered to prepare a monthly summary of inquiries and leads so the EDA can track the types of businesses showing interest and adjust targeting. The board did not change zoning or adopt a new industrial policy at the meeting.
Next steps will include clarifying marketing expectations for the broker and compiling an inventory of potentially available sites for EDA review.
