Economic Development Task Force

From: Ed Poteat Sent: Friday, August 29, 2025 12:08:13 PM City of Mount Vernon – Economic Development & Comprehensive Plan Summary To: Members of the Mount Vernon City Council From: Councilmember Edward Poteat Date: August 2025 Subject: Key Takeaways from Comprehensive Plan & Economic Development Framework Overview Over the past months, Mount Vernon Economic Development Task Force (EDTF) has advanced several planning and policy initiatives to shape the city’s future growth, strengthen our economy, and improve quality of life. The attached materials (Draft Ordinance on Vacant Retail and Façade Renovations, Data Collection Sub Committee Findings and Economic Development Framework) are the most notable deliverables from the various EDTF meetings. 1. Draft Ordinance – Vacant Retail / Façade Renovation / Streamline Development Processes • Vacancy Surtax: $5/sq ft annual charge on long-term vacant ground-floor retail (12+ months) in key corridors. • Incentives: surtax waivers or rebates for façade improvements, pop-ups, artist/nonprofit uses, or local startups. • Revenue Use: supports a new Retail Revitalization & Façade Improvement Fund. • Streamline Development Process: Creation of an ombudsman for developers through the URA 2. EDTF Data Gathering SubCommittee Findings • Top Revenue Industries: wholesale trade, construction, and real estate ($192M–$2.6B range). • Growth Sectors: health services, business services, social services, specialty construction. • Opportunities: family-oriented entertainment, retiree-focused housing and services. • Recommendations: targeted industry recruitment, apprenticeship programs, small business tax credits, real estate incentives, annual industry roundtables. 4. Economic Development Framework (Presentation by Pattern for Progress) • Business Retention: data-driven outreach, partnerships with BIDs, sector-specific support. • Government Reform: simplify permitting, better communication, fair tax/fee alignment. • Land Use & Zoning: encourage local shops, restaurants, wellness, family-friendly uses; restrict harmful uses. • Public Realm: plazas, parks, and pedestrian streets to boost foot traffic.  • Schools & Social Services: recognizing strong schools and services as foundations of economic vitality. • Next Steps: Council, Planning Board, and County Planning Board review the draft Comprehensive Plan this fall; community comments invited post-Labor Day. Conclusion These initiatives provide a comprehensive pathway for increased economic development activity in Mount Vernon. Council input will be essential in refining, adopting, and funding these strategies so that Mount Vernon can position itself as a regional leader in inclusive and sustainable growth. Council will also need to draft legislation to adopt these initiatives. I'll call each of you over the next week to discuss.