ITEM TITLE:
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#25-15 - Repealing Chapter 2.60 of the Valdez Municipal Code Titled Economic Diversification Commission. Second Reading. Adoption.
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SUBMITTED BY: Nathan Duval, City Manager
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: N/A
Unencumbered Balance: N/A
Funding Source: N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt Ordinance #25-15 repealing chapter 2.60 of the Valdez Municipal Code titled Economic Diversification Commission.
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SUMMARY STATEMENT:
In 2014 ordinance 14-3 created Chapter 2.60 of the Valdez Municipal Code and the corresponding Economic Diversification Commission. The commission began as an Interim Measure to address deficiencies identified in various strategic plans and economic studies.
While the commission began as an Interim Measure, the ordinance allowed for the commission to exist in perpetuity while also allowing for an alternative solution in the future.
Over the years, the commission has evolved in composition and size (see ordinances 21-10 & 24-09). Additionally, the Economic Development Department became a standalone department outside the Community Development Department. Many of the initial objectives and tasks of the commission are currently being achieved by the department staff such as developing a comprehensive economic strategic plan, gathering & tracking local baseline socioeconomic data, and oversight and participation in economic development opportunities.
Past commissioners have provided great support for various initiatives including but not limited to COVID economic recovery, various childcare initiatives, and approving the current economic strategic plan.
Having said that, interest in the commission has greatly diminished and it has been difficult to recruit members for the body. Even when the body has a full complement of members the meetings are often cancelled due to lack of quorum or lack of agenda items.
Eliminating the commission will provide efficiencies by reducing staff time commitments and reducing or eli...
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