Title
Resolution Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement to Create the Guilford County Economic Development Alliance (GCEDA) and to Contribute $100,000 for Shared Costs of the Organization
Body
Department: Executive
Council District: All
Public Hearing:
Advertising Date/By:
Contact 1 and Phone: Jim Westmoreland, City Manager - 373-2002
Contact 2 and Phone: Kathi Dubel, Manager - EDBS - 373-4579
PURPOSE: To authorize execution of an interlocal agreement and funding in the amount of $100,000.
BACKGROUND: During a joint meeting with the Greensboro City Council, High Point City Council and Guilford County Board of Commissioners on November 20, 2015, the three (3) governmental entities resolved to create a coalition, along with The Greensboro Partnership and the High Point Economic Development Corporation (HPEDC), to conduct a more united approach to economic development matters in Guilford County. As result of the creation of the Guilford County Economic Development Alliance (GCEDA), the parties were tasked with developing a formal agreement outlining the structure and responsibilities of the GCEDA entities.
The managers of the three (3) local governments, and the presidents of the Greensboro Partnership and the High Point Economic Development Corporation, have incorporated the terms of the original proposal and the resolution into an agreement. The agreement establishes a Leadership Group which consists of eight members representing the local governments and chairs of each economic development organization. The two (2) presidents of the economic development organizations serve as ex-officio members. The Chairmanship of the Leadership Group alternates annually between the chairs of the Greensboro Partnership and the HPEDC; the GCEDA director position alternates between the two (2) presidents annually. The Leadership Group will meet at least once per month and two meetings have been held to date.
The Agreement also establishes a Business Advisory Council that will include twelve (12) members; of which five (5) appointments to the Council are assigned to the Greensboro Partnership Board Chair and five (5) appointments are assigned to the HPEDC Board Chair, in addition to one (1) appointment assigned to the President of GTCC and one (1) appointment assigned to the Director of the Greensboro/High Point/Guilford Workforce Development Board, who shall alternate Council chairmanship annually. The Business Advisory Council shall meet at least twice per year and will be responsible for advising the Leadership Group on important economic development matters, such as the development of the economic development strategic plan, and on recruitment and retention of corporations to the community and region. The meetings of the Leadership Group and the Business Advisory Council are public meetings subject to the North Carolina Open Meetings Law.
The agreement outlines the activities the Alliance will engage in and the operational protocols that will be employed between the Greensboro Partnership and the HPEDC. The annual budget for the Alliance will be $300,000; with the three (3) local governments contributing $100,000 each year on or before January 15th. The fiscal year for the Alliance will be on a calendar year basis. Unexpended funds at the end of the fiscal year shall be retained by the Alliance and the use of those funds shall be determined by the Leadership Group, which shall adopt the budget no later than December 31st. An independent audit of GCEDA finances shall not be required, however the local governments may review the finances at any time.
The initial term of the agreement will be for two (2) years from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2017 with an option for automatic one (1) year renewals until amended or terminated by the parties. Any party may terminate their interest in the agreement by giving the other parties ninety (90) days written notice. If a party terminates their interest in the agreement, the Alliance will retain the remainder of their $100,000 contribution for the year, to be used for operating costs.
BUDGET IMPACT: The FY2015-2016 Annual Budget includes a total of $300,000 for economic development purposes of which $100,000 is recommended to be appropriated to GCEDA from account
101-9545-11.5931.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED: Authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute an agreement outlining the structure and responsibilities of the Guilford County Economic Development Alliance (GCEDA) and authorize the annual appropriation of $100,000 for the City’s contribution.
COMMITTEE ACTION: This item was referred to Council by the General Government Committee.