Mayor and Council direct city manager to craft comprehensive economic development plan with REDI participation

The Rockville Mayor and Council on Sept. 15 directed the city manager and city attorney to develop a comprehensive Rockville economic development plan that incorporates the work of the city’s third‑party economic development partner (REDI) and city departments and to propose a formal mechanism for coordination and accountability.

The work session framed two common models for municipal economic development — an independent third‑party nonprofit (the existing REDI model) and an in‑house department — and summarized REDI’s current functions: business attraction and retention, market research, incentive program administration, small‑business technical assistance and incubator programming. City staff presented the models and noted any substantive change to the existing agreement with REDI would require an amendment to that funding/operating agreement.

Council members from across the political spectrum supported better coordination, clearer performance metrics, and more resident input. Suggestions included a jointly developed strategic plan, a staff liaison to coordinate with REDI, regular data sharing, and more proactive outreach to small businesses. Several council members noted lessons from COVID‑era business support and recent local changes in the commercial real estate market.

Councilmember Tom Fulton moved — and Councilmember Valeri seconded — a motion that directs the city manager and city attorney to: (1) create a comprehensive Rockville economic development plan inclusive of REDI and city departments, to be presented to the Mayor and Council for adoption within approximately one year; and (2) develop a mechanism (for example, amendment to REDI’s funding agreement or another appropriate vehicle) to ensure REDI’s participation in the plan’s creation and execution and to establish clear processes for communication and collaboration between REDI, city departments and the elected body. The council approved the motion by voice vote.

City Manager Jeff Michalek said he would confer with REDI leadership about timing; REDI’s leadership and board members were present for the discussion and voiced support for continued collaboration.

Councilmembers said they sought stronger accountability, measurable outcomes for economic development work (including metrics to appear on Results Rockville), and a continuing role for REDI’s technical services while creating clearer channels for city oversight and resident input. Staff and REDI will return to the council with a proposed strategic plan timeline and a draft coordination mechanism for council consideration.