The Delaware County Redevelopment Commission approved on May 8 a recommendation to contract with the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance to provide project-management services for the redevelopment commission and to recruit a dedicated, full‑time position.

Tracy Lutton of the Economic Development Alliance told commissioners the group can "immediately pick up and start doing this for you" and that it intends to hire a full‑time staff member to perform the on‑site duties while maintaining institutional backup. "We are prepared to go ahead and take on the duties of a project manager for the redevelopment commission, but we have the intention of hiring a full time staff person to assist us," Lutton said.

The commission heard a year‑one budget estimate during the presentation: salary and benefits of about $68,000; dues $1,500; professional development $4,000; office supplies and technology (one‑time) $10,200; miscellaneous operating $2,000 — total estimated year‑one cost approximately $86,020. Commissioners were told the Alliance would not profit from the arrangement; Alliance representatives said any compensation would cover staffing and operating costs only.

After discussion about coordination with existing economic development partners, Commissioner Green moved to accept the ad hoc committee's recommendation to proceed with the Alliance's proposal; the motion passed by roll call. Commissioners asked to receive candidate résumés and to be kept informed about hiring and work plans. The Alliance said any new hire would receive immediate on‑the‑job training and be encouraged to take core economic development coursework.

Why it matters: The move consolidates redevelopment project management under a single contractor and creates the prospect of an on‑site, county‑based economic development lead funded through the commission. Staff and commissioners emphasized the goal of sharing leads and avoiding duplication with existing partners such as the county's ECI Alliance program.