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Novato's Step Towards Economic Resurgence
The City of Novato is taking significant strides to bolster its economic landscape by hiring a new full-time economic development manager. During a recent council meeting, the City Council unanimously approved the creation of this position, which will offer a salary of up to $208,345 per year. This move comes after the city has been without a dedicated manager for economic development since the 2019-20 fiscal year, primarily due to budget constraints.
The Role of Economic Development in Community Growth
City Manager Amy Cunningham emphasized the necessity of this role to the council. With economic development and homelessness prevention previously handled by a principal analyst, these crucial areas struggled to receive the focused attention needed to meet rising community demands. “The addition of a dedicated economic development manager would provide staff support to focus on attracting, maintaining, and growing local businesses,” Cunningham stated, marking a pivotal point for the local economy.
Listening to Community Needs
A recent budget survey highlighted economic development as one of the top concerns among residents, consistently ranking within the top five community priorities over the years. With Novato's economy recovering from past deficits and budget cuts, the community's interest in revitalizing the local economy is clear. Councilmember Rachel Farac, who proposed the discussion of hiring a manager, noted a noticeable gap in communication between city staff and the local business community, voicing that this position could bridge those gaps.
Grant Funding Opportunities: An Essential Focus
Another major aspect of this role entails improving the city’s ability to pursue grant funding. The City of Novato has been in deficit for several years, which has limited staffing and hindered their grant-seeking capabilities. Currently, they face challenges securing grants due to falling behind on routine audits and funding applications. The establishment of a dedicated economic development manager could lead to more successful grant applications and ultimately more funding for community projects.
Overcoming Challenges Through Communication
During the discussions, Councilmember Pat Eklund proposed the idea of contracting a combined manager and grant writer. However, Cunningham responded with the rationale that these roles require different skill sets and that consistency is essential for fostering long-term relationships with businesses. Mayor Tim O’Connor echoed this sentiment and called for a set of metrics to evaluate the new manager's impact, noting a collective responsibility in securing grant opportunities.
Shaping Novato's Future
The initiatives outlined for the new economic development manager will include exploring diverse revenue streams, utilizing the historic train depot for community benefit, and even assessing possibilities for cannabis storefront licensing. As Novato seeks to rejuvenate its economy, the choice to hire a dedicated manager indicates a proactive approach tailored to meeting community needs while fostering business growth.
Final Thoughts: A Necessary Investment in Local Economy
The hiring of an economic development manager marks a critical juncture for Novato, allowing the city to align more effectively with its strategic plan and economic development objectives. With community support and clear goals, Novato can pave the way towards revitalization, adaptive growth, and a stronger economic future.
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