TO: MAYOR AND COUNCIL
FROM: KRANICH AND LADD, COUNCIL MEMBERS
RE: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION
DATE: NOVEMBER 18, 2002
Successful economic development in keeping with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and community opinion is basic to Homer’s future. Numerous concepts/ideas, projects, and needs to increase employment, to improve and provide for increased public utilities, facilities and institutions, to encourage and enhance the cultural and educational amenities, and to enhance year-round industries have been suggested or presented to the City Council for consideration. Some of these include, but are not limited to:
o U.A.A campus,
o Rewrite of the Lease Management Policy Manual,
o Hockey rink and collateral benefits,
o Seasonal sales tax,
o Harbor port facilities (Pioneer and Deep Water Docks),
o Conditional Land Use Process – Box Stores,
o Purchase or exchange of property for City facilities, i.e., library and animal shelter, and
o Town Square and associated impact.
Although the City Comprehensive Plan provides goals, objectives, and action items for the next 3-5 years (1999) regarding land use, it is important that the City facilitates the successful “implementation of an economic growth plan.” (Homer Comprehensive Plan Update)
Concepts/ideas, projects, and needs mentioned within this memorandum, including many not listed, all have merit. Due to the fact that the City has limited personnel and economic resources, and in order to accomplish many needed development tasks in a responsible and business-like manner, the City can strengthen economic development through partnership with business and community organizations. In part, this process can be assisted through the reinstatement of the Homer Economic Development Advisory Commission.
Page Two
Memorandum 02-61
IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT:
The Economic Development
Advisory Commission be activated for the purpose of advising the City Council
on matters of overall economic development as identified in present City
Code. The Economic Development Advisory
Commission is given the task of working with business and community
organizations to develop short and long term impact statements on matters of
community-wide development. Impact statements
will include, but not be limited to: estimated city revenue, potential new jobs
(full and part time), impact on established business, nature and need for type
of development, overall strengthening of Homer’s economic base, etc.) Due to
the importance of economic concepts/ideas, projects, and needs, the City
Council recognizes the need for the Economic Development Advisory Commission to
communicate awareness, encourage discussion, and seek private and public input,
and
IT IS FURTHER RECOMMENDED
THAT:
The Economic Development
Advisory Commission includes a nomination submitted from the City Port and
Harbor Commission, a representative from the Chamber of Commerce, include the
Planning Director, and other individuals knowledgeable of economic development
and community needs. Economic Development
Advisory Commission nominations will be submitted to the Council for approval
no later than the first City Council meeting in January 2003.
Fiscal Note: Costs for advertising and recording meetings.