City OKs New Economic Development Division to Ensure Walnut Creek's Future Success

UPDATE: The Walnut Creek City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the creation of an economic development division whose manager would be responsible for attracting new businesses to the city, retaining existing businesses and helping those businesses grow. 

"I think it is important," said City Council member Kish Rajan. "We need to step up our approach to economic development and long-term planning. Walnut Creek is a successful city because of long-term planning."

"This is a thoughtful and reasoned approach to making investment in the community's future," said Councilman Bob Simmons. 

Council members had discussed the possibility of a new division, which will cost the city $250,000 over the next year, at a recent two-day retreat. Some members said they were mindful of the fact that the city just closed a $20 million budget deficit last spring, laid off more than 30 positions, and froze positions. Creating this new division would mean hiring a managing, at a salary of $150,000 a year. 

Some speakers expressed reservations or concerns about how the city envisions this division working. 

While Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jay Hoyer said "I absolutely, totally think we're moving in the right direction," he questioned how the city aimed to define economic development and his manager's duties. "This is an extraordinarily wide economic development proposal."

The city is looking at the manager taking on myriad duties--from collaborating with organizations like the chamber, to working on bringing a boutique hotel to Walnut Creek, to overseeiing a policy on alcohol served at late-night downtown bars and restaurants. Hoyer pointed out that the person hired should also understand the real estate parking and community development issues such as the Measure A height limits for new construction. "Economic development is an awfully wide net." 

Assistant City Manager Lorie Tinfow explained that this staff position was needed because there is currently no one working in the city--or no one of whom they are aware--who has the skills needed to focus on economic development. The economic development manager would be the contact person in the city for prospective businesses. 

TInfow said city staff believes the city's future financial success could rest on having a dedicated economic development division. She said other staff members would assist the manager with his or her duties. She and council members acknowledged that the nature of the job  would evolve as market conditions change. The new economic development division would be part of the city manager’s office

The council's consideration of this new division comes as the on its job of looking at the financial situation and recomending strategies that could be implemented to meet future operational and capital budget needs. 

Tinfow said in the report she prepared for Tuesday's city council meeting that the new hire would be "expected to have ownership of the results, be better able to build the relationships needed to achieve success and have stronger accountability with the business community."

The Walnut Creek Police Association is wary of the idea. It posted the following on its Facebook page: "The (Walnut Creek Police Association) believes that during these tough economic times, the city should stay focused on keeping our neighborhoods safe."

"On Feb. 15, Chief (Joel) Bryden told the council that the police department currently has nine frozen positions (five sworn) and has 10 officers out on injuries. With a patrol division of approximately 35 officers, these numbers create a noticeable impact for the community."