Title
Receive and review FY 26-27 Workplans from all four (4) of the Development Set-Aside partners.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Economic Development Committee:
Receive and review FY 26-27 Workplans from all four (4) of the Development Set-Aside partners.
SUMMARY:
The County of Monterey Board of Supervisors established the Development Set-Aside (DSA) Program in 1985 to promote and expand tourism, economic and agriculture development and cultural art activities that strengthen and broaden the County’s economic base. At that time, the Board designated the Monterey County Travel and Tourism Alliance (MCTTA), Economic Development Corporation of Monterey County (EDC), Monterey County Film Commission (MCFC) and the Cultural Council for Monterey County (CCMC) to serve as the County’s partners to implement the Program. The Program underwent revisions in 1994, 2002-2006, and 2007 and involved multiple agencies. The most recent change introduced a formula-based, non-competitive funding approach, aiming to streamline funding and ensure cost-effective delivery of essential services supporting the County’s economic development goals.
DISCUSSION:
See Monterey acts as the County’s marketing channel to maximize the benefits of tourism to the County of Monterey by implementing programs that promote the Monterey County brand. The primary goal of See Monterey’s Marketing Communications department is to inspire and increase overnight visitation amongst Leisure, Group and International travelers. See Monterey shall market Monterey County through public relations, social media, and advertising programs to increase awareness and desire to visit Monterey County. It will do so by increasing web visits and earned media; by procuring group sales and group bookings; and through providing visitor information services with focus on increasing Transient Occupancy Tax revenue by persuading visitors to extend their stays.
The Arts4MC shall develop jobs and business opportunities in the art sector through creative impact grants, training, and promotion to artists’ networks and associations. It shall increase public/private partnerships with partner hotels, partner districts, and partner schools to broaden the customer base of partner businesses. It shall leverage County investment by increasing funding from foundations, small businesses, and individuals, and swelling earned revenue from the sale of artwork. It works to expand workforce development opportunities that focus on increasing the number of students ready to work in the arts.
The Monterey County Film Commission (MCFC) shall boost film industry outreach by increasing the number of inquiries that have positive results; tracking the number of media productions occurring in Monterey County, and raising the total funds spent in Monterey County from film production. It shall expand education and workforce opportunities by increasing the number of Monterey County film site locations and enhancing film-related job skills.
The Monterey County Business Council (MCBC) shall create or retain jobs through business expansion and businesses receiving assistance from the Monterey Bay APEX Accelerator and assist small businesses and local entrepreneurs to secure government contracts. MCBC shall continue to educate and engage the public through events, e.g., the Annual Higher Education & Research Summit and Annual Economic Vitality Awards, and host various business advocacy events, Leadership Monterey County, and business luncheons.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
Staff consulted with County Counsel.
FINANCING:
Receiving these workplans has no financial impact.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The opportunity for the Economic Development Committee to receive this presentation supports the Board approved strategic plan.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Plan Goals:
This assists with attracting and retaining businesses that will improve the well-being of County residents.
___ Well-Being and Quality of Life
___ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
___ Safe and Resilient Communities
_X_ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Link to the Strategic Plan:
<https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569>
Prepared by: Isela Sandoval, Management Analyst II, x7214
Approved by: Richard Vaughn, Economic Development Manager, x5602
Attachments:
DSA Workplans FY26-27