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Board authorizes $70,000 a year from regional fund for three years to sustain economic development coordinator
Summary
With expected delay in a federal EDA partnership grant, the board authorized using $70,000 annually from the regional fund for three years to partially support an economic development coordinator position and to serve as local match for future grants.
The policy board approved authorizing $70,000 annually for three years from the regional fund to support the region’s economic development coordinator and to serve as a match for future federal funding.
Matt explained the region had pursued an Economic Development Administration partnership grant intended to partially fund the coordinator ($70,000/year assumed), but staff were told they would not receive the federal partnership award at this time. "We were informed that this was a political decision made at a higher level within the agency," Matt said. Pauline added the EDA has not issued a final denial and that staff had seen language in the EDA portal indicating the application "warrants further consideration." Board members asked whether the coordinator role is filled; staff confirmed the position is currently filled and that losing the anticipated grant would negatively affect staffing and capacity.
After discussion about the importance of sustaining the position given regional economic development goals, a motion to authorize the three-year regional fund use was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote.
