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Economic development team touts recent wins; local EDA seeks $150,000 annual support
Summary
Delaware County economic-development representatives reported active recruitment and pipeline prospects and the county's local Economic Development Alliance requested $150,000 annually to continue attraction and site work.
Delaware County economic-development officials told commissioners Monday they have a multi-stage pipeline of prospects and asked the county for renewed funding support while the county and redevelopment commission consider available project funds.
A county economic-development representative reviewed recent wins, naming companies now operating in the county and prospects in the pipeline, including manufacturing and logistics leads. He said the county's international recruitment efforts and SelectUSA participation continue to generate prospects and that partners are working to align local, city and county teams.
Elizabeth (Delaware County Economic Development Alliance) presented a seven-page proposal seeking $150,000 annually for the Alliance's work as the county's designated local economic development organization. The proposal described services including business attraction, site planning, workforce and talent development, and confidentiality agreements used with site selectors.
"We are a one-stop shop for you," Elizabeth said, summarizing the Alliance's role in coordinating utilities, workforce, and permitting support for site visits. A site selector, Chris Brasler, told commissioners that state and local coordination and fast, accurate information are decisive when companies compare communities.
Commissioners asked for time to review the written proposal and requested an electronic copy. They also discussed possible funding sources in the county's redevelopment and project budgets. At the meeting the commissioners approved a motion to continue consideration of funding with the county redevelopment authority for projects that remain available this fiscal year.
Votes and funding context
Commissioners approved a motion to route funding consideration through the county redevelopment commission for available project 3 and project 4 line items (sources cited in the redevelopment plan) and to evaluate a $50,000 balance that remains in an economic development project. Staff said one line item will expire June 30.
What's next
Commissioners asked for an electronic copy of the EDA proposal, said they need time to digest the request and directed staff to identify potential county funding sources and the redevelopment commission's available balances. The Alliance said it would provide further detail on services and measurable outcomes upon request.
