SUBJECT:
Title
Erie EDC - 2024 Action Plan Presentation
Body
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
Department
PRESENTER(S): Julian Jacquin, Economic Development Director
Victoria Meyer, Erie EDC Board Treasurer
Shannon Comer Dodge, Erie EDC Board Secretary
First Name Last Name, Title
TIME ESTIMATE: 20 minutes
only required for non-consent items
POLICY ISSUES:
This agenda item has minimal policy implications.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Informational presentation and discussion of strategies and organizational objectives for the Erie Economic Development Council for 2024.
End
SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND OF SUBJECT MATTER:
The Erie Economic Development Council (EEDC) is one of the Town of Erie’s local business and economic development partners. The EEDC promotes the Town’s central location to transportation and educational institutions, skilled workforce, high-quality residential options, and affordable new development opportunities to attract primary employers and create an economically thriving and sustainable community. They also provide existing and prospective Erie businesses with information, resources, and professional networking opportunities. The Town’s investment in the EEDC helps support this work that benefits both the business community and the residents of Erie.
The business community has united through the EEDC to seek and welcome new business to the area. The EEDC supports the grassroots growth of a business and the local economy by advocating for business-friendly policies and giving businesses a voice. They act as a catalyst for building relationships and growing business through their membership base and services. The organization uses social media, networking events, workshops, and other forums to highlight their activities.
For many years the Town has provided significant financial support to our economic development partners. During the 2024 budget planning process, the EEDC and the Economic Development Department identified $33,000 in total requests for Town funding, specifically for those items listed below. Similarly, the Economic Development Department identified $60,000 in funding to support the Downtown Erie Business Association (DEBA) for 2024. In 2023, the EEDC announced plans to consolidate with DEBA, merging their organizations and leadership teams. As a result, the EEDC has since absorbed the primary role of programming for Downtown and will discuss those details more in-depth during this presentation. As a result, the $30,000 identified in the 2024 Budget for “DEBA miscellaneous projects” has been moved to the EEDC to support their expanded efforts for Downtown Erie.
This presentation will allow the EEDC to present their action plan for 2024 for discussion by the Town Council.
COUNCIL PRIORITY(S) ADDRESSED:
ü Engaged and Diverse Community
ü Prosperous Economy
ü Small Town Feel
ü Effective Governance
ü Fiscally Responsible
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. 2024 EEDC Presentation