HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-09-13 PACKET 04.02.
TO:
Economic Development Authority
FROM:
Christine Costello, Economic Development Director
DATE:
September 7, 2016
RE:
Washington County Economic Development Director Introduction
Background/Discussion
In June 2016 the Washington County (County) Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA)
made significant changes to the HRA. The changes are the culmination of a strategic plan
launched by the County in 2014. Based on the results of the plan, the County Board requested a
change to a State law that would expand the HRA’s powers to include economic development. A
bill supporting this measure was passed in a State legislative session earlier this year. Thus the
County HRA was renamed to the Washington County Community Development Agency, or CDA.
Shortly thereafter the County hired Chris Eng as the County’s Economic Development Director.
Mr. Eng’s will be responsible for attracting new business to the region and strengthening ties
among existing commercial establishments, local governments and consumers.
Mr. Eng will share with the Cottage Grove EDA his background experience in economic
development as well as talk about the proposed economic development work plan that is currently
being developed with the communities in Washington County, including Cottage Grove.