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Consultant presents draft economic development strategy; council invited to provide feedback
Summary
A consultant presented a draft economic development plan focused on land supply, workforce training, small-business support and potential funding tools; the council provided initial feedback and requested revisions.
A consultant working as part of a regional team presented a draft economic development strategy for Jervis and asked the council for feedback on priorities and next steps.
The presenter outlined a local component of a broader North Marion County strategy, highlighting town strengths (regional labor-market access, agriculture, quality of life), weaknesses (a small labor pool, limited retail and infrastructure constraints), and opportunities (underutilized land near the rail line, vocational programs in the school district, proximity to an Amazon facility). He walked through potential target industries — basic services, healthcare, workforce training and sports/tournament facilities — and identified site-supply actions, code and policy updates, small-business supports and funding tools such as tax-increment financing and state grants.
On infrastructure priorities, the presenter noted water and wastewater capacity were central constraints and that a Transportation System Plan (TSP) could be an important near-term priority to qualify for certain grants and projects. Council members raised concerns about immediate water capacity and asked the presenter to consider bumping water infrastructure higher on the priority list.
The consultant said the draft will be revised to reflect tonight’s comments and asked the council to submit written feedback within the next two to three weeks; staff and the consultant will produce an updated draft for future council consideration.
