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Commissioners approve research into a county growth and development initiative
Summary
The board authorized staff to research a county growth and development initiative, including whether to create a growth manager role and how to organize related departments and authorities to support housing, water and economic development.
Dunn County commissioners on Jan. 8 approved a motion to research the feasibility of a county growth and development initiative and to seek outside expertise to help design a potential organizational approach.
Commissioners described recurring barriers to growth in the county — notably water availability, limited housing stock and site readiness — and said they want to study centralized approaches that might bring planning, housing, economic development, the JDA, park board and communications under a coordinated effort. The board emphasized the request was for research only: the motion directs staff to develop a job description and gather information about possible organizational structures rather than to hire a growth manager immediately.
Commissioners suggested staff work with communications director Loanne (spelled variously in the transcript) to convene a roundtable or bring in an outside professional with economic development experience for guidance. Several commissioners emphasized that water supply constraints, state policy and legislative funding are major factors beyond the county's immediate control.
The motion to research the concept and return with options carried by voice vote. Commissioners asked staff to consult with the county’s representative on the Southwest Water Board and to include city partners and other stakeholders in subsequent research and outreach.
Ending: Staff will return with research findings, potential job descriptions and recommendations for next steps at a future meeting.
