Franklin City commission approves draft biannual economic development report pending final edits

The Franklin City Economic Development Commission on Friday approved a draft biannual economic development progress report produced by Brooks Communications, voting to adopt the document pending final edits and director-level sign-off.

The report, presented by Eric Brooks of Brooks Communications, was described as an eight-page “point-in-time” progress update that collects recent projects, new photography and narrative vignettes. Brooks told the commission the packet includes new aerial and ground photos and a photo library that the city may use in other communications. He apologized for delays in delivering the draft and said the remaining placeholder text (Latin “lorem” copy on page 7) will be replaced with full writeups and links to expanded web stories.

Brooks said the product is intended as a high-level outreach piece for residents, existing businesses and prospective investors. “I’m proud to partner with Franklin on this,” Brooks said. He asked the commission to approve the draft now and authorize staff to complete final copy and design without reconvening the full commission.

Commissioners and attendees raised photo and labeling details to be corrected before final print: a request to replace a back-cover image with a photo of the city’s new water tower and to confirm map numbering for project sites including Ballpark Commons. Commissioners discussed keeping the document’s timeframe descriptive rather than using the word “summer,” and suggested printing only the year (2025) to avoid shortening the report’s shelf life. One attendee who identified herself as a member of the Engage Franklin board said the draft was “a million times better” than prior marketing materials.

The commission moved to approve the draft “pending bridal edits” and “pending final edits from the director.” The motion carried on an aye vote. The commission recorded that staff (director John) will complete final edits and coordinate mayoral review; payment and final invoicing were discussed but not finalized during the meeting. Brooks said he would submit a final invoice once the document is approved and noted he anticipated a discount because work was delayed compared with the original schedule.

The commission did not change the report’s scope. It directed staff to make the cosmetic and factual corrections discussed in the meeting — including photo swaps and confirmation of map numbers — and to circulate the final version to the mayor for review prior to publication.

The commission approved the draft at the meeting and will consider the item closed once the director confirms final edits have been made and payment processing is complete.