Motion to renew Make My Move partnership dies for lack of a second after council concerns

Staff asked the Avon Town Council to renew the town’s participation in the Make My Move program, a recruitment and incentive platform intended to attract remote workers and others to relocate to Avon. The town budget includes a planned local match for the program in the EDIT fund.

Proposal details Staff described the program cost structure: a total program budget of roughly $252,500 was presented; the town’s share after an Economic Development Commission (IDC) reimbursement was shown in the presentation as approximately $81,002.50 (the town pays upfront and is reimbursed for a portion by the IDC). The package presented included enhanced incentives and an administrative allowance to cover local admin time.

Council action A council member moved to approve the Make My Move agreement (the motion included enhanced incentives). No council member seconded that motion and, as recorded in the minutes, the motion died for lack of a second. Staff said the town had budgeted the local match in EDIT funds, but no final approval was recorded.

Why it matters Make My Move is intended to be part of Avon’s economic development toolkit; staff and proponents said a renewed effort could yield new residents who contribute to the local tax base and workforce. Opponents or cautious council members questioned the program’s return on investment after the town’s first year produced five relocations, short of the original 10‑move target.

Next steps Because the motion failed for lack of a second, staff will not proceed with the contract on that vote. Staff noted they are available to provide additional program details, target adjustments or alternative incentive packages if council requests a follow‑up discussion.

Ending No contract was authorized at the meeting; staff will discuss next steps with council members and may return with revised options or additional information at a future meeting.