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Select Board considers creation of economic development committee to grow commercial tax base
Summary
The board discussed forming an economic development committee to advise on business retention, commercial tax base growth and outreach. Members debated committee composition (business owners, property reps, board liaisons), whether it should be an open‑meeting law body, and measurable goals for success.
The Select Board discussed establishing a town economic development committee at its May 4 meeting, with members considering composition, charge and whether the body should operate under open‑meeting law.
Staff proposed a committee including local business owners, commercial property representatives, residents with relevant expertise and liaisons from planning or zoning to advise the select board and town administrator on business retention and growth strategies. "The charge would be to support business retention, expansion and to promote Northborough as a welcoming, business‑friendly community," a staff member said.
Board members debated whether the committee should be a formal town committee subject to the Open Meeting Law (OML) or a working group reporting to the town administrator to reduce administrative overhead. Concerns were raised about potential conflicts of interest if local business owners sat on an OML committee and about how to set measurable benchmarks, such as net new businesses, tax base changes, or business retention rates.
Members suggested convening a panel of local economic‑development practitioners to refine the committee charge and to develop measurable goals before returning a formal proposal to the board. The board did not vote to create the committee on May 4 and requested additional research and a panel discussion.
