EDA Meeting Date: October 27, 2025
To: Members of the Economic Development Authority
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Discussion of Economic Development Authority future strategic planning retreat and opportunities related to leadership transitions.
Body
Action Requested:
Discussion only.
Summary Report:
The EDA had planned a retreat in October that was cancelled due to staffing changes at the City. As you know, the Community Development Director is in transition. Scott Wopata, current Executive Director of the Community Action Center, interviewed Wednesday, October 24th and next steps are pending about the possible nomination for appointment by the City Administrator that would require Council confirmation. The next Council meeting is November 4, 2025. The City due to budget challenges recently laid off the economic development coordinator. The new Community Development Director is planned to take a more prominent role serving the Economic Development Authority. Additionally, internal staff support roles are being shuffled to re-prioritize work within the Community Development Department.
Chair Yoder will give some thoughts at the meeting related to areas he is thinking of related to board development around advancing the mission of the EDA for the board to have an initial discussion and continue thinking on this topic. Additionally, this would be a good time for discussion about potential timing for a retreat particularly related to leadership transitions of the Community Development Director.
Alternative Options:
Not applicable.
Financial Impacts:
Not applicable.
Tentative Timelines:
Not applicable.