Let’s review and improve EDGE, not politicize a plan that works
Over the past several months, there has been much discussion over the necessity and effectiveness of the Economic Development Growth Engine.
EDGE has been in place and functioning since 2011. I agree it is appropriate after seven years to revisit our original intent and structure to determine if adjustments are needed.
Having said that, it is important to understand potential adjustments to EDGE will not be a cure-all to our economic development struggles.
We must look at economic growth in its full spectrum, and it will take a truly collaborative approach between the Chamber, EDGE, City and County Governments to reach our potential.
When I was elected Shelby County Mayor in 2010, discussions were underway about the efficient marketing of Memphis/Shelby County to create new jobs and improve the overall economic foundation of the community.
The Industrial Development Board (IDB) lacked the authority and administrative infrastructure to support the expanded mission of partnering with the Chamber to promote attributes we knew existed.
Our roads, river and runways compolitical bined with affordable living were ripe for economic growth. Convincing others of these assets and potential was the challenge.
My opportunity to address this dilemma began with a review of a plan to expand IDB services and build a stronger alliance with the City, municipalities and the Chamber. By raising the public profile of the IDB, making it a joint City/County combined initiative, and promoting our assets and incentives, we could begin moving the needle on job growth and community enhancement.
EDGE was created to improve efficiency and streamline the IDB application process. We established the independence of the IDB by creating a stand-alone organization with a board and president appointed by the Memphis/Shelby County Mayors and approved by the Commission and Council.
As leader of the countywide initiative, the president reported directly to the two Mayors. The expectation was to coordinate our economic strategy with input from the Chamber, County and Memphis Mayors and EDGE board.
These expectations were incorporated within the EDGE charter and bylaws jointly approved by the council and commission. We hoped this organization would not only enhance efficiency, but also minimize undue influence and provide a more professional marketing approach to development.
It was understood from the beginning that successful marketing of our community would require more than an efficient application filing provided by EDGE.
A community sells itself by providing a standard of living that families and companies find comfortable and accommodating. High standards for education, safety, health, entertainment, arts, and culture must meet the needs of a demanding public.
With the City Mayor in office for three years now and new County leadership starting Sept. 1, it is timely for a review of EDGE.
There have been numerous criticisms of EDGE by legislative members claiming they alone have the authority to abate property taxes; however, IDB’s had that authority and legislators had been prohibited long before EDGE was created.
As we move forward, caution should be exercised to ensure the political insulation so vital to the integrity of this process is not jeopardized. The leader of EDGE represents the economic interest of Memphis and Shelby County. Guidance must come from both Memphis and Shelby County Mayors.
Mark Luttrell has been Shelby County Mayor since 2010. His second and final term ends Sept. 1.