Grow Elmore County asks Ellsworth for continued funding as it searches for new director

Grow Elmore County representatives presented their annual funding request and told the council the organization needs continued municipal support to maintain business outreach, housing grant work and tourism marketing.

Justin, who identified himself as the organization’s president, summarized last year’s outreach efforts, a failed moderate-income housing grant application, recruitment assistance for local developments and a tourism grant that produced countywide marketing data. “We’re that resource that a lot of people come to first,” Justin said, asking the council to continue funding at the same level for 2027.

Board members said the organization is negotiating a short-term contract to provide interim executive leadership while searching for a permanent director, and they highlighted behind-the-scenes work that can’t be discussed publicly because of nondisclosure agreements. Jessica Eagle, who introduced herself as a local business owner and board member, said her experience as a prospective business owner had made Grow Elmore’s services “vital” to locating and growing downtown enterprises.

Council members asked practical questions about office hours and whether the organization had a staffed office; Grow Elmore said the office is intermittently occupied while phone calls and email are monitored and that a new director would allow more regular in-person service. The council signaled support for continued funding and asked staff to include the request on a future agenda for appropriation and formal consideration.