Select Board considers reconstituting economic development committee, agrees to refine charge

The Select Board reviewed a draft charge to create a new Economic Development Committee (EDC) to take on research and planning tasks that would guide the town’s economic development strategy.

The draft proposes a five‑member committee appointed by the Select Board and charged with producing recommendations on economic development initiatives, researching the feasibility of a redevelopment authority or other legal tools, developing procurement language for an economic development plan, identifying funding sources and grants, and coordinating with the town’s development services department. The draft also said the EDC would produce updates for the Select Board as part of quarterly briefings.

Board members discussed composition and skills: the draft originally stated “no specific expertise required,” and board members asked for language that would allow appointments to prioritize candidates with relevant skills. Select Board member Matt said he would add language suggested by a community member recommending that “individuals with experience in administration, finance or lending, legal, economic development planning, grant writing or administration, and similar skills would be useful.”

Why it matters: Board members said an EDC could serve as a town “think tank” to build an economic development plan and to recommend whether the town should pursue a redevelopment authority or EDIC structure. The committee would perform groundwork such as surveying local conditions, identifying barriers to business growth (including zoning and infrastructure), recommending priority projects and helping assemble grant applications.

Next steps: The Select Board asked staff to include the suggested expertise language, place the revised charge on a future meeting agenda for further review, and begin outreach to potential committee members. No formal appointment or vote was taken at the meeting.