TITLE
Recommendation to direct City Manager to explore the creation of a Business and Economic Development Officer position and report back to the City Council within 90 days regarding the feasibility and costs of the new position. In addition, it would be the preference of the City Council, to use existing general fund dollars to create the position.
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach adopted an Economic Development Implementation Plan in 2007. It contains goals and strategies for economic development in our city. Its three key initiatives are:
- To make Long Beach the most business-friendly city in California
- To create additional jobs for Long Beach residents
- To support and strengthen neighborhoods
The Economic Development Bureau was primarily responsible for implementing the plan. However, in 2010, Long Beach eliminated the Economic Development Bureau and moved many of the bureau's functions to other departments and staff. Given the current economic climate, recruiting new businesses to Long Beach, and retaining existing businesses, has never been more urgent.
The City Manager's office has done its best to maintain some economic development programs, including Industrial Development Bonds, hiring vouchers, sales tax sharing agreements, investment in infrastructure, technical assistance to small businesses, enhanced code enforcement, youth workforce assistance, and retail recruitment.
In addition, the Mayor's office has also focused on business recruitment, small business preferences for city contracts, and trying to make government more efficient for both small and large businesses.
While the city has successfully assisted thousands of business owners, there is still an opportunity to do more. Long Beach should always be recruiting new companies and ensuring that those business owners who choose to open in Long Beach are being advocated for and supported every step of the way.
A strong economic development program overseen by an experienced o...
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