Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bradenton council presses EDC for clearer deliverables as contract rolls toward renewal
Summary
Councilmembers raised concerns that many EDC executive committee members are based outside Bradenton and asked for clearer, measurable deliverables from the Bradenton Area EDC as leadership transitions occur.
Multiple members of the Bradenton City Council questioned the composition and accountability of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation at the Jan. 14 meeting and urged that deliverables be tied more closely to the city’s needs.
Councilmember Kim Schlesser reviewed past comments and said that, of seven executive‑committee members listed in recent materials, only one appeared to be representing a city‑based business, with a majority having Sarasota affiliations. Schlesser said the city is now the EDC’s largest public financial contributor and asked whether Bradenton’s interests are adequately represented.
Council members and the mayor noted an executive leadership transition at the EDC (resignation of Sharon Hillstrom effective Dec. 31) and discussed the possibility of a national search for a replacement. Councilmembers urged faster transition timelines and more local representation on the executive committee. Several members stressed the need for actionable, short‑term plans for downtown and for East Manatee businesses, including near‑term supports that help existing small businesses remain solvent during transitions.
The mayor said he expects deliverables soon on the Dover Coal engagement and said he will schedule a workshop once staff receives actionable items from the EDC. Councilmembers asked for clearer measures of return on investment, deliverables specific to Bradenton (not simply regional materials) and improved communication during the EDC transition.
