Title
Strategic Initiative 8.3 - Develop coordinated strategy with UF, Chamber and other stakeholders to market manufacturing and small business development.
Explanation
At the recent City Commission Strategic Retreat, a new Strategic Initiative, 8.3, was added to capture the City Commission's effort at marketing the community to enhance prospects for the development of the manufacturing and small business sectors of the economy. Additionally, an increment to the FY 2015 budget for community marketing travel was supported by the Commission in the amount of $15,000.
One effort that has been underway to engage with the community on this topic has been through the Open Gainesville initiative which aims to establish an infrastructure that improves access to City data and fosters citizen engagement via the City of Gainesville website.
Specifically, an Engage GNV topic has been formulated that utilizes the framework of the joint Chamber of Commerce and City of Gainesville Small Business Development Task Force to provide a feedback loop for the community regarding prospects for small business development within the City.
This feedback loop was described to the Audit, Finance and Legislative Committee during a recent update on Task Force activities in July and it was mentioned that this information would be shared with EDUCC at a future date.
...Fiscal Note
The City Commission provided initial support for funding of this Strategic Initiative in the amount of $15,000 for future community marketing outreach travel with institutional partners.
Recommendation
The Economic Development/University Community Committee to receive a presentation and direct staff on Engage GNV or Strategic Initiative 8.3 generally.