Title
a. Consider options for recommendation to the Board of Supervisors for the Development Set-Aside Program and recommend a preferred option, and
b. Provide direction to staff.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Economic Development Committee:
a. Consider options for recommendation to the Board of Supervisors for the Development Set-Aside Program and recommend a preferred option, and
b. Provide direction to staff.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Program Background: The Board of Supervisors for the County of Monterey established the Economic Development Set-Aside (DSA) Program (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 the 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 (see Exhibit A). The most recent change introduced a formula-based, non-competitive funding approach for the Program, aiming to streamline funding and ensure cost-effective delivery of essential services supporting the county’s economic development goals.
Current Program: Currently, the DSA Agencies are the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCCVB), Arts Council for Monterey County (ACMC), Monterey County Film Commission (MCFC), and Monterey County Business Council (MCBC) with agreement extensions for each DSA Agency until June 30, 2024. These agreements provide funding for programmatic efforts which complement existing economic priorities of the Board of Supervisors strategic initiatives.
Recommendation: At the direction of the Board of Supervisors during the May 31, 2023, budget hearings, Economic Development staff has developed two (2) options for the Economic Development Committee to select from and recommend to the Board of Supervisors. The two (2) options are as follows:
1.
a. Consider conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the Development Set-Aside (DSA) program, develop criteria, and review the funding formula with an opportunity to propose new allocations to existing DSA agencies; and,
b. Assign four (4) committee members and one (1) Supervisor to a Development Set-Aside Ad hoc Committee to review and propose a recommendation to the Economic Development Committee for consideration at a future meeting. If a supervisor is not able to be selected one will be appointed by the Board of Supervisors; or
2.
a. Consider conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the Development Set-Aside (DSA) program, develop criteria, and review the funding formula to determine if it would be beneficial to include additional organizations, either alongside or in place of any current DSA agencies; and
b. Assign four (4) committee members and one (1) Supervisor to a Development Set-Aside Ad hoc Committee to review and propose a recommendation to the Economic Development Committee for consideration at a -future meeting. If a supervisor is not able to be selected, one will be appointed by the Board of Supervisors.
The selection of either option would require the DSA Ad hoc Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the program, develop criteria and review the funding formula. Review of the funding formula would not trigger or lead to an increase in overall funds and/or percentage allocated to the program.
Staff is recommending the committee consider option number one (1) for approval.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Staff consulted with County Counsel, Budget Director, and County Administrative Office.
FINANCING:
Receiving this report and approval of a preferred option has no financial impact.
Prepared by: Isela Sandoval, Management Analyst II, Ext. 7214
Approved by: Richard Vaughn, Economic Development Manager, Ext. 5602
Attachments:
Exhibit A
PowerPoint Presentation