Economic Development Commission revival: council sets Feb. 3 hearing after residents, commissioners urge action

The Hopkinton Town Council set a Feb. 3, 2025 public hearing on a proposed amendment to Chapter 2 of the code of ordinances to establish (or revise) the Economic Development Commission (EDC). The move follows a recent wave of volunteer interest that councilors and speakers said revived the commission after a long vacancy.

Councilor Burns introduced the item and invited the EDC’s chair to speak. Sarah Steverman, chair of the newly active EDC, described a strong turnout at the commission’s recent meeting and urged the council to allow the EDC to participate actively in upcoming comprehensive-plan work. “We are suggesting the process of reviewing the comprehensive plan start in 2025 rather than the proposed timeline of 2026,” Steverman said, noting the commission’s interest in being part of the planning process.

Council discussion focused on membership counts and quorum language. One draft change would make a majority of currently appointed members sufficient to meet, allowing smaller appointed rosters to function while vacancies are filled. Supporters said that flexibility avoids the situation where a board cannot meet because of unfilled seats.

The council voted to set Feb. 3 as the public-hearing date; staff will advertise the hearing and accept applications for commission membership ahead of that date. Steverman and other EDC members encouraged interested residents to apply; the commission said it planned to propose that the comprehensive-plan review begin in 2025 and recommended the council consider creating a full-time planning position to support that work.

Why it matters: Reconstituting the EDC and engaging it in the comprehensive-plan process could change economic development policy and the town’s approach to business outreach, planning and capital priorities.