Clayton County officials discuss consolidating economic development functions under Development Authority

The Development Authority of Clayton County and the Clayton County Board of Commissioners met in a joint special call April 29 to review recommendations from an outside consultant on reorganizing the county's economic development functions, updating the county's strategic economic plan and moving more marketing and deal-making authority to the Development Authority.

The recommendations, summarized at the meeting by Development Authority members, included that the Development Authority serve as a single point of contact for prospects, that all current responsibilities of the county Office of Economic Development be transitioned to the Development Authority, and that the county and the authority update and use a consolidated strategic plan to guide recruitment and infrastructure priorities.

"We have to brand, brand, brand," Dr. Bridal, who called the Development Authority portion of the meeting to order, said at the joint session. "Perception is reality." Dr. Bridal told commissioners and authority members the consulting…