What is the role of municipal economic development leaders?

In September 2024, Guide Our Growth recommended to Town Council that they hire and economic development manager to support the future growth of Timnath.

With the neighboring towns already having designated economic development professionals, and with Timnath’s appeal among developers and expected population growth, it's imperative that Timnath not overlook or turn away desired business types nor be exploited by outside development interests. Therefore, Guide Our Growth recommends that Timnath allocate funds in the 2025 budget to hire a part-time economic development manager, reporting directly to the Community Development Director.

In a mid-sized town (typically between 5,000 and 25,000 people), the economic development position plays a crucial role in promoting the town's growth priorities, enhancing the business environment, providing a named business liaison for developers, and improving the overall quality of life for residents. In order to establish a reputation as a world-class community for living, working, and recreation, Timnath must implement a viable economic strategy that supports its growing population.

The town’s tax revenue is, and will continue to be, heavily driven by commercial development. In 2023, approximately 90% of Timnath’s tax revenue came from commercial sources, with only 10% coming from residents. To keep pace with population growth, a cohesive strategy is essential to attract businesses and ensure Timnath remains a great place to live and do business. One does not need to look far to see the positive results of having an effective economic development director. During her tenure as Windsor’s economic development director, Stacy Brown:

• Raised over $777 million in community investments.
• Brought in nearly $650 million in business investments.
• Retained 1,400 jobs and added over 3,000 new jobs.

Here is an overview of economic development managers’ directors’ key responsibilities:

1. Business Attraction & Retention

• New businesses: Develop strategies to attract businesses and industries that align with the
  town's goals and priorities.
• Current businesses: Work with existing businesses to ensure they stay in the community and
  assist them in growing.
• Incentives: Design financial incentives, tax breaks and/or grants to make the town more
  attractive to priority business types.
• Liaison: Work with potential developers as a first point of contact to educate them about the town comprehensive plan to ensure a smooth process flow for interested developers.
• Business Framework Development: Create a standardized framework to measure attractiveness of potential businesses.

2. Strategic Planning

• Economic development plans: Develop and implement long-term strategies to boost the local
  economy, including identifying potential growth industries.
• Community needs assessment: Analyze data and community input to determine the types of
  businesses or services that are needed and feasible.
•  Land use planning: Collaborate with town planning and zoning boards to manage land development and make sure it aligns with economic growth goals.
•  Infrastructure Development
•  Project management oversight: Ensure infrastructure improvements (e.g., roads, utilities, broadband) support desired development.
• Grant writing and funding: Seek out and apply for federal, state and/or county grants to fund priority economic development projects.

Community Engagement

Collaboration with stakeholders: Work with community groups, local businesses, schools and civic organizations to understand their needs and foster partnerships.

• Public outreach: Ensure transparency about development priorities and projects by engaging
  with residents and organizing and participating in public events (e.g., meetings and forums).

Workforce Development

• Workforce training initiatives: Partner with educational institutions and regional and state workforce development agencies to ensure that the local labor force has the skills needed by employers.
• Employment programs: Create or support job fairs, internship programs, and other initiatives to connect local employers with talent.

6. Public Relations, Marketing and Events

• PR, branding and marketing: Create public relations and marketing campaigns to
  position the town as an attractive place for business, tourists and potential residents.
• Promote tourism: Develop and promote tourism initiatives, including local festivals, historical sites and recreational opportunities that can boost the local economy.

7. Real Estate Development

• Land development: Work with developers on projects that increase the town’s commercial real estate options.
• Property management: Help ensure that vacant or underutilized properties are repurposed for
  productive use, whether for business, housing or public projects.

8. Government Liaison

• Policy advocacy: Advocate for local, state, and federal policies that benefit the town’s economic development goals.
• Intergovernmental coordination: Coordinate with county, state and federal agencies on economic development projects or policies. The economic development director or manager in a mid-sized town serves as the key person driving economic growth and fostering a thriving local economy, balancing business interests with the needs of the community.

Can a Town of Timnath economic development manager or director generate enough value to cover their own salary?

• Yes. Economic development managers and directors attract new businesses, encourage the expansion of existing ones, and help encourage commercial real estate development. These activities increase the local tax base by:

Higher property taxes from commercial real estate developments.

• Sales tax revenue from new and expanded businesses.
• Job creation leading to increased consumer spending, which in turn boosts local sales tax income. While the role of an economic development director involves upfront costs (salary, incentives, etc.), the long-term benefits in terms of increased tax revenue, job creation, business growth, and grant funding can far outweigh those costs, making the position a worthwhile investment for any growing town.

Why should Timnath have a designated economic development employee?

• Projected Growth Timnath anticipates a population of 30,000 by 2040. Failing to have a designated economic development professional to ensure commercial development aligns with the priorities established in the town’s comprehensive plan would be short-sighted and likely harmful to the town’s future.

Regional Standards Timnath’s neighboring mid-sized towns already have an economic development manager or director.

Here are some examples:

• Johnstown: Sarah Crosthwaite, the full-time economic development manager for Johnstown, helps new and existing businesses expand or relocate, providing essential resources and support.
• Severance: Shani Porter has been splitting her duties between planning and economic development since 2023, ensuring balanced growth for the community.
• Wellington: Cody Bird is the Planning and Economic Development Director. He replaced Michelle Vance who is now the Director of the Windsor Downtown Development Authority (WDDA).
• Windsor: Evan Wendlandt, hired as Economic Development Director in July 2024, leads regional economic planning efforts and works closely with local businesses. Wendlandt replaced Stacy Brown, who served as director for 13 years before becoming town manager of Kersey.

3. Staff Capacity

Current staffing is not going to get us where we need to be. High-quality, challenging development requires expertise and hands-on leadership and support. Without changes in staff capacity and without clear communication and consistent work, nothing will change. Just as hiring a park and recreation director was set as a priority, so too must hiring an economic development manager or director. With neighboring towns already having designated economic development professionals, and with Timnath’s appeal among developers and expected population growth, it's imperative that Timnath not overlook or turn away desired business types nor be exploited by outside development interests.

Guide Our Growth’s Recommendation:

Guide Our Growth recommends that Timnath allocate funds in the 2025 budget to hire a part-time economic development manager, who will report directly to the Community Development Director. Starting with a part-time or contract position may be a reasonable first step.

As the town experiences economic successes—such as attracting priority business types, retaining existing small businesses and establishing positive relationships with land owners—it may become evident that the position should evolve into a full-time, director-level role to meet demands and capitalize on opportunities.

Guide Our Growth is a registered 501(c)(4) non-profit organization composed of registered voters in Timnath who are proponents of thoughtful growth. The organization’s mission is to educate residents on local development issues.