Title
a. Receive an update regarding the Development Set-Aside Program; and
b. Receive the DRAFT Development Set-Aside Workplans for FY25-26.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Economic Development Committee:
a. Receive an update regarding the Development Set-Aside Program; and
b. Receive the DRAFT Development Set-Aside Workplans for FY25-26.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
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.
The current DSA Agencies are See Monterey (formerly the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau), Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC), Monterey County Film Commission (MCFC), and Monterey County Business Council (MCBC). The four (4) agencies have a 1-year agreement for this current FY2024-25.
At the May 31, 2023, budget hearings, the Board of Supervisors directed staff to work with the Economic Development Committee (EDC) to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the Development Set-Aside Program and review the funding formula for an opportunity to include additional organizations.
At the November 6, 2023, EDC meeting, an Ad Hoc Committee was developed. The Ad Hoc Committee met three (3) times and a complete ...
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