Franklin EDC reviews strategic-plan draft, requests revisions and timeline

The Franklin City Economic Development Commission on Jan. 17 reviewed a strategic‑plan summary and voted to return Chairman Bobalski’s draft plan to the commission with edits, clearer targets and a timeline for next steps.

The draft presented by Corey, identified at the meeting as the consultant leading the strategic planning work, summarized retreat findings, a SWOT analysis and three strategic goals: (1) a community vision for development that is understood, (2) an improved development process, and (3) improved city economic‑development communications. Corey said the packet before the commission "is the first part of this strategic planning process" and that some target fields remained blank while the city’s comprehensive plan (the comp plan) and the Uniform Development Ordinance (UDO) work continue.

Why it matters: commissioners said the document must be specific enough to support budget requests and staffing decisions. Members pressed for measurable targets and a timeline tied to the UDO rewrite and the comp plan, which staff said is budgeted for 2026. They also sought clarity on which tasks require additional staff or consultant support and which are actionable with existing resources.

During discussion, commissioners and staff walked through targets Corey had drafted: recommendations on industrial and housing incentives by year‑end, prioritization of retail and industrial sites contingent on the comp plan, a stated rollout date for updated marketing materials (January 2025 in the draft, later adjusted), and proposed performance goals such as reducing development timelines 10–30 percent after UDO changes. Corey noted some targets await the comp plan and UDO outcomes; the group identified the UDO target date as March 18 (the UDO rewrite), and the comp plan as a 2026 budget item.

Several commissioners criticized the draft’s level of detail. Commissioner Mike (identified in the meeting by first name) said he was “hugely underwhelmed” and urged a sharper plan that names target industries, assigns responsibilities and attaches costs. Commissioners remarked that, without specific goals and resource estimates, the commission cannot make a credible request to the mayor and common council for additional staff or program funding. Others argued the draft provides a starting point that the commission can edit and flesh out.

On communications and outreach, the draft calls for updated marketing materials, a regular schedule of developer and trade‑show attendance, and a business‑retention/expansion visit schedule. Commissioners requested use of city‑vetted photos in final materials rather than stock images; Corey agreed to swap stock photos for city‑approved images.

Directions given: the commission asked staff and the consultant to prepare a revised version that (a) incorporates Chairman Bobalski’s draft edits, (b) tightens targets and dates where possible, (c) identifies staff or budget needs tied to each initiative, and (d) produces a draft timeline (Gantt‑style spreadsheet) for review at the next meeting. Corey offered to share a spreadsheet that generates a Gantt chart to help fill in dates and dependencies.

Formal action and next steps: commissioners moved, seconded and unanimously approved a motion to bring Chairman Bobalski’s draft strategic plan back to the commission with edits for wordsmithing and to determine whether the consultant should assist further. The commission also scheduled follow‑up at its next meeting and discussed coordinating with planning and finance staff on items that will depend on the UDO and comp plan.

The meeting also recorded routine approvals and administrative items: approval of the Jan. 17 minutes, vendor voucher approval for CP2 Consulting ($4,950), a motion to enter a closed session under Wisconsin statute 19.85(1)(e) for market‑competition deliberations, and adjournment. Each of those votes was approved on voice vote in open session.

Ending: Commissioners asked members to digest the draft and return to the next meeting prepared to propose concrete targets, assigned responsibilities and cost estimates so the commission can identify funding or staffing needs to present to the mayor and council.