The EDC’s main project to recruit a private developer to build and operate a new resort hotel and conference center is featured in the County’s Economic Vitality Strategy (EVS) based on its ability to strengthen the tourism
industry by making Mariposa County a year-round destination. The project has the support of the Tourism Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce, and ranked highest of all EVS projects in the responses to the County’s recent economic development questionnaire. But without funding for a feasibility study and a commitment to pursue a Request for Proposal from the County, the EDC is unable to make further progress. According to Roger Biery, who was elected the EDC’s President, “Economic development requires a public/private partnership, and we have a good relationship with the County. But because state and federal grants cannot be used for business attraction, recruiting a developer/operator will also require local funding, and that is what we don’t yet have.”
The EDC is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that receives no regular funding. The relationship with the County includes Tara Schiff, Community Development and Grant Coordinator, serving as an ex officio Director, and Supervisors Cann and Jones serving as Advisors. The EDC and County also have a Memorandum of Understanding that provides for part-time staff for the EDC.
The EDC has prepared a business case to justify the County funding being requested, and stands ready to resume pursuing the resort hotel and conference center project. “With the current effort to revise the County’s Economic Vitality Strategy expected to take at least six more months, it may be a while before the Board of Supervisors is willing to consider the matter,” Biery added.
Other officers elected include: Les Marsden as First Vice President; Marilyn Saunders as Second Vice President; John Stewart as Secretary; and Matt Foraker as Treasurer.
The EDC will now meet the first month of every quarter, with the remaining meetings in 2016 scheduled for July 28TH and October 27TH at noon. The EDC’s meetings are held at the library and are open to the public.
The current version of the County’s Economic Vitality Strategy and additional information about the EDC is available on the Web at www.MariposaEDC.com.
