Vernon City Council Approves Funding for New Economic Development Strategy for an Estimated $50,000 – Vernon News

Photo: Chelsey Mutter

The Vernon City Council agreed to spend an estimated $50,000 on a new economic development strategy.

During Monday’s regular meeting, city staff asked the council to approve the funds and change the wording from “up to $50,000” to “estimated $50,000.” The change allows staff to spend more than $50,000 without council approval.

In a presentation to council, Economic Development Manager John Perrott said it has been 15 years since Vernon last presented its economic development strategy.

“It’s a lot of work to see how we can help talent, how we can attract people, we’re working on focusing on supporting investment in development, especially during the Covid years of 2020 to 2022, with a very strong focus on business retention and expansion programs, supporting local businesses in partnership with our many community organizations,” Perrot told the council.

He said it’s time for an update after recent changes in the city, such as a new zoning ordinance, upcoming changes to the official community plan and the recently adopted tourism strategy.

Vernon’s population has grown and the community is changing.

“The circumstances offer us new challenges and new opportunities,” Perrot said. “Our industrial composition has also evolved. We are entering new areas, a number of new companies are emerging with a technological focus, particularly in the area of ​​production.”

With all that in mind, Perrot advocated for the plan to hire a consultant to develop a new multi-year economic development plan.

According to a report filed ahead of Monday’s meeting, the new strategy would consider, among other questions:

• Do the current program and services meet the needs of entrepreneurs and businesses in Vernon?
• What role does the City’s Department of Economic Development and Partnerships play in implementing economic development programs and services?
• As Vernon grows, there should be more support for regional, state and national economic development organizations to establish a local presence in
• Vernon to deliver their programs and services?

The plan is designed to attract and retain investment, businesses and residents to Vernon and is expected to take six to eight months to complete, starting in August.