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Council directs recruitment for downtown and tourism director, approves executive search engagement
Summary
Council directed staff to recruit for a new downtown and tourism director role and to engage AFION Public for an executive search estimated at $28,000; the position would be upgraded to a director range with an estimated FY2026 salary range of about $80,000 to $120,000.
Taylor City Council on March 20 received an update on the downtown master plan and voted to direct staff to proceed with an executive search to recruit a downtown and tourism director.
Carly Pearson, who presented the update, said the downtown master plan contractor Lionheart Places has been working on the plan since March 2024 and paused after staff turnover late last year; consultant work is continuing and staff expect renewed stakeholder engagement soon. Pearson said the downtown role would be elevated from a Main Street manager to a downtown and tourism director with duties expanded to include economic development, downtown branding, tourism activation, historic preservation coordination and grant-seeking.
Pearson said the position would work closely with existing businesses to support retention and growth and to attract new businesses. "This position will work really, really closely with existing businesses to try and help them, further their success and see what their needs are even more," Pearson said. She told council there is no budgetary impact this fiscal year; staff identified savings to cover interim costs. Pearson said the salary range for the upgraded position would likely be in the $80,000 to $120,000 range and that fiscal year 2026 budget adjustments would be needed to accommodate the increase (staff estimated an approximate $40,000 annual cost differential, subject to final salary placement).
Staff recommended engaging AFION Public, an executive search firm the city has used before, to perform the recruitment. Pearson said the firm offers a two-year guarantee and that the search cost would be approximately $28,000; the city has a $50,000 purchasing cap with that vendor which has been partially used this year. Pearson said there is no fiscal impact in the current year and that the recruitment fee would not exceed the available cap for this purchase without separate council action.
Council members questioned fiscal impacts and asked staff to analyze downtown revenue and the TIF funding supporting downtown projects. Pearson said the TIF (tax increment financing) funds cover the master plan work and that staff will seek grant funding and other incentives to expand resources for downtown economic development.
Marie Bloomer, a downtown business advocate, addressed the council during public comment and said downtown businesses struggle with low foot traffic and urged the city to adopt a strategy that increases density and visitor traffic so small businesses can survive. "We need a clear strategy to increase density, attract visitors, and create a thriving environment where small businesses can succeed," Bloomer said.
Councilmember Anderson moved to receive the update and direct staff to contract with AFION Public for recruitment as presented. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote with councilmembers saying "aye." No opposing votes were recorded.
Pearson and councilmembers said the position is intended to be a central point of contact for downtown businesses and a hub for connecting owners to existing regional resources such as Small Business Development Centers. Staff will return to council with budget language for FY2026 to reflect the formal reclassification and any salary adjustments.
