ATTACHMENT 1

 

Mayor’s Committee on Economic Development Professional

REPORT TO THE TOWN COUNCIL

 

RECOMMENDATION FOR AN

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL POSITION

June 7, 2006

 

The Mayor’s Committee on Economic Development Professional met from February through May 2006 to discuss potential goals and structure for an economic development professional position.  At its meeting on April 11, 2006, the Committee agreed to recommend such a position to the Council.

 

Proposed Goals

 

 The Committee recommends emphasis on the following key goals for the position:

 

  1. Implement the Economy and Employment goal of the 2000 Comprehensive Plan to “increase employment opportunities for residents and satisfy local demand for commercial and retail services.”
  2. Perform a welcoming function, including information and assistance with the expansion and retention of businesses in Chapel Hill.
  3. Communicate Town policy and Council expectations to businesses; assist businesses with understanding the processes of Town government.
  4. Focus on the professional analysis of small areas along major corridors for redevelopment or development in Chapel Hill, in accordance with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan goals.  Coordinate such an effort with the review of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan now underway.
  5. Undertake actions in the context of Chapel Hill’s Comprehensive Plan goals to achieve a mix of uses with affordable housing in a transit-friendly community, developed in a manner which protects the environment, applies green and sustainable development principles, and exhibits social awareness.
  6. Understand and be sensitive to the dynamics of the marketplace.
  7. Value corporate citizens who contribute to community and help maintain the character and vitality of Chapel Hill (see attached Statement of Corporate Citizenship).
  8. Pursue grant funding for economic development opportunities.

 

The Committee recommends that approximately 25% of the position’s time be spent on the welcoming/communication functions in Goals 2, 3, and 7; and that the remainder of the position’s time be focused on redevelopment/small area planning and related other goals.

 

Proposed Structure

 

The Committee recommends that the position be located in the Town Manager’s Office, and report to the Town Manager.  The Committee expects that the Manager will play a strong role in carrying out the Council’s goals for economic development.  Accordingly, the Committee suggests that the person work under the direction of the Manager to achieve the key goals for the position.  The position would function as a vital communication link between businesses and the Town Council.

 

The Committee recommends that the Council establish a position with the title of “Economic Development Officer.” The position would be a senior level position with a potential grade level and a draft job description to be developed in consultation with the Director of Human Resources.  Qualifications discussed by members for the position include degree related to economic development, including planning degree; ability to do statistical analysis; real estate background; advanced English/writing skills.  Members asked the Director to consider nontraditional approaches to the qualifications.

 

Reporting Considerations

 

The Committee considered how reporting to the Council should be structured.  The Committee recommends that the Council establish a Council Committee of up to four members who would work with the Town Manager and the Economic Development Officer to develop an annual action plan for Council review and approval, with quarterly updates to the Town Council.  The Committee envisions the reporting structure would be similar to that currently in place for the Town Information Officer position.

 

The Committee suggests that the Economic Development Officer and the Town Information Officer work closely together.

 

Financing Options

 

The Committee recommends that the Council consider funding the position from the Town’s General Fund.