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Cleveland EDC previews FY27 priorities: CRM, website, airport hangar work and proposed sidewalk match
Summary
Staff presented a FY27 budget workshop focusing on continuity of programs to attract jobs, modest increases in professional services and software (District360 CRM), reduced website development costs, airport Hangar L engineering and a proposed $622,587 local match for Houston Street sidewalks; board discussed licensing, staffing and potential funding mechanisms.
City staff presented the EDC’s draft priorities and proposed operational changes for fiscal year 2027, emphasizing continuity in economic development activities and targeted investments to support business recruitment and quality‑of‑life projects.
Emilio Livario said the EDC’s primary work is attracting primary jobs and expanding the local tax base, and that the corporation can also fund parks, beautification and limited workforce development. Among operational changes, staff proposed a customer relationship management platform (District360) with a one‑time implementation fee of about $4,500 and an approximate $5,000 annual license, continued licensing for Telstar commercial real‑estate data, and a reduced website development line (from about $17,500 to $13,500) to cover web hosting and an available‑properties viewer.
Staff updated the board on several projects: Hangar L at the municipal airport is in engineering/design with potential construction in FY27; marketing and promotion were allocated up to 10% of sales‑tax receipts; and staff flagged a requested supplemental of $622,587 as a possible local match for a roughly $2.5 million sidewalk project on Houston Street, to be funded from fund balance or by issuing sales‑tax revenue bonds.
Board members asked detailed questions about legal services, the rationale for software licensing increases, and salary/benefit assumptions while staffing shortfalls persist. Staff said some proposed shifts are line‑item transfers rather than net increases and that the EDC will monitor projects and propose budget amendments if necessary.
Next steps: staff will refine the proposed budget, incorporate board feedback and return with more detail; the board then moved to executive session to consider closed matters.
