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Mayor proposes economic development coordinator to grow Methuen's commercial tax base
Summary
The mayor and the community development director proposed creating a new economic development coordinator position in the fiscal 2026 budget to pursue commercial growth and retention; councilors asked for measurable benchmarks and suggested performance‑based compensation options.
The Methuen administration proposed creating an economic development coordinator in its fiscal 2026 budget to focus on business retention, recruitment and permitting navigation.
Director Wilson described the position as born from the city's recent master‑planning process and said other gateway cities employ similar roles. Mayor Neil Calfo said the coordinator would "double down" on outreach to attract entrepreneurs and expand the commercial tax base that the administration says is needed to offset revenue losses such as the closure of Holy Family.
Councilors pressed for clear performance measures. Councilor Ferretra and others asked whether the position would carry benchmarks tying compensation or continued funding to outcomes — for example new commercial parcels, job creation, or permitting throughput — and whether the job could begin part time or include performance pay. Director Wilson and the mayor said they expected production targets and expressed willingness to develop a metrics matrix with the council.
The mayor's proposed budget includes a placeholder salary of $80,000 for the role; administration officials said that figure assumes a partial first year and that the position would be brought forward to council for classification and formal approval if the budget is adopted.
Council discussion also covered the position's responsibilities: working with licensing, planning, fire and building departments to reduce permitting hurdles, supporting existing businesses, and pursuing targeted prospects for the Merrimack Valley market. No final vote was taken at the workshop; the proposal will be considered during the council's forthcoming budget deliberations.
