2499 ORDINANCE NO. J
AN ORDINANCE TO CREATE THE WEST MEMPHIS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
GROWTH ENGINE COMMISSION. THE E.D.G.E. COMMISSION IS A
PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,PLANNING
DEVELOPMENT,ADVERTISEMENT & PROMOTION DEPARTMENT,DESIGN
REVIEW COMMISSION,CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,COMMUNITY RESOURCE
SERVICES,BUSINESS,PROPERTY& LAND OWNERS
WHEREAS, E.D.G.E. Commission is to provide and coordinate public resources to
drive aggressive economic development in West Memphis; and
WHEREAS,E.D.G.E. Commission does this through ongoing economic activities and
projects that provide real value to the community and provide a strong foundation for future
economic growth
WHEREAS,the partnership will focus on providing economic data, news, strategic
plans and analysis for the West Memphis area
WHEREAS,the E.D.G.E. Commission provides small business access to a regional
network, funding sources (SBA seminars and training)and education on starting and maintaining
small business with services aimed to help grow and make better decisions to meet growth
challenges. Community Resources Services Director is to lead charge in connecting small
businesses with resource opportunities
WHEREAS,the E.D.G.E. Commission is also intended to spark the revitalization of
West Memphis neighborhood businesses including Broadway& Missouri St. through small
forgivable loans to assist in fagade and building improvements(Bank Community Investment
ACT)
WHEREAS,the E.D.G.E. Commission is to explore when available the PILOT program,
utilize the TIF districts, special taxing areas designed to charge redevelopment of a specific land
area, create an entertainment district and consider local tax incentives
WHEREAS,the E.D.G.E. Commission focus on developing and fostering public/private
partnerships to create jobs, grow local economy, attract investment, spark innovation and
encourage entrepreneurship
WHEREAS,the E.D.G.E. Commission is a 10-member board where the mayor appoints
at will (5)department heads of the E.D.G.E. Commission partnership and(1) liaison from the
West Memphis City Council,then the(5)appointed members appoint(4) members whom are or
affiliates of business,property or land owners in the city of West Memphis to serve a 1-year
term. Appointed members can be reappointed after the 1 year expires or commission members
could appoint new members. In case of a 5-5 tie the mayor votes to break the tie.
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WHEREAS,the E.D.G.E. Commission will meet monthly to discuss economic
development ideas,potential and challenges
WHEREAS,the E.D.G.E. Commission reviews all city policies,procedures,regulations
and ordinances that pertain to economic growth and recommends agreed changes to the West
Memphis City Council that makes West Memphis more attractive to potential business and
business friendly
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF WEST MEMPHIS,ARKANSAS,that the West Memphis Economic Development
Growth Engine Commission is created for the City of West Memphis to generate economic
development growth, entrepreneurship and expansion
ADOPTED this day of l Ju , 2019.
k,rl� e,
Marco McClendon, Mayor
ATTEST:
Joyce Gray, City Clerk
SPONSRED BY:
/ RECEIVED
Ci Jerk'siCe
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