2009: Making a List, Checking It Twice

How well did Columbia's Community & Economic Development Department do this past year in achieving its mission to "expand and enhance City and community revenues and assets so as to steadily increase available resources, broaden service delivery, and improve the quality of life for all citizens"?  City Council members will hear a status report tonight--warts and all.

The first departmental goal set for the year was to "encourage new businesses to form and grow in Columbia".  This goal was partly realized through formation of Columbia’s Resourceful Organization of Women Networking (CROWN) this year to assist emerging women-owned enterprises. Other programs to encourage and support local entrepreneurs are under development through the Monroe County Economic Development Council (MCEDC), a public-private partnership in which the City participates. Score: 60%

The City put a high priority on working to "retain businesses in the City of Columbia by supporting their long-term success" and achieved even better results here.  Local business support efforts and consulting were established, and a formal business retention program was developed that will launch in January. City policy regarding incentives has yet to be adopted--the one objective in this category that this year's efforts failed to meet. Score: 80%

Attempts to "recruit new businesses to the community" met targets despite the national recession.  City officials developed and produced—and are distributing—a CD with demographic and economic information, an updated community profile has been posted on DCEO website, commercial property listings have been posted and are being kept current on Location One Information System (LOIS), and staff continues to participate in Southwest Illinois recruitment efforts. Score: 100%

Efforts to "promote more commercial activity on Main Street" have had more mixed results.  Columbia continues designation as an Introductory Main Street community and has submitted an application for designation as a Certified Local Government, but other objectives are pending.  While programs like the one offering Main Street facade grants have helped spur improvements to individual buildings, staff contend that the need for an overall downtown redevelopment plan has hobbled success for the district. Score: 50%

The City moved forward significantly on its objective to "develop and market local tourist facilities that will entice visitors and locals to learn more about Columbia’s history and heritage" in 2009.  The Miller-Fiege Home is now open by appointment while renovation and display work continue with the help of a large private donation. Work is also progressing on the Shoemaker Schoolhouse, which is being restored for use as the Monroe County Welcome Center. A private developer is moving forward with work on restoring a Prohibition-era rum cave at the Old Distillery. Score: 90%

Efforts to "expand resources for parks & recreational uses to make Columbia 'a great place to play'" got off to a great start but fell short of the goal.  Although the City formed the Play Commission, the precursor to a Parks Commission, and was recognized a “Play City USA” for 2009, a comprehensive funding program of what facilities and programs are to be funded still awaits final determination. Score: 75%

The objective to "develop and implement a long-term strategic plan for municipal buildings" was largely achieved.  A leasing and improvement plan for the Oak Street Community Building is nearing completion, while staff have likewise inventoried and reviewed all other City-owned properties. Score: 90%
 
Finally, City efforts to "support community activities, celebrate milestones and add to the local quality of life" exceeded objectives set at the beginning of the year.  While staff and elected officials supported sesquicentennial events and sponsored other local events, they also assisted in the kick-off for the inaugural Art Walk event and launched a new Christmas parade. Score: 100%

Following presentation of the status report to members of the Columbia City Council, the Community & Economic Development Department will compile a new set of goals and objectives for 2010, which will be presented to the City Council for approval at their December 21st meeting.