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Advisory board seeks budget and staffing for new economic development office
Summary
Board members said the citys two-person economic development office needs an operating budget so it can recruit and retain businesses; the board agreed to prioritize the budget and potential incentives as workshop topics.
Advisory board members pressed for a clear operating budget for the newly formed economic development office and discussed incentives for city-owned parcels and impact-fee deferrals as tools to attract desired development.
One board member noted the office currently has two staff and said: "If we're gonna do this the right way, they need a budget." Members said funding is needed for staff travel, outreach, collateral materials and to support recruitment and retention of local businesses. The board asked staff to prepare a breakdown of proposed uses and for the advisory group to review budget specifics at the next meeting and a planned workshop in June.
Members also discussed potential incentives for redevelopment of city-owned sites and the need to articulate expectations and accountability if the city offers fee waivers or other concessions.
