Adrian strategic planning looks at creating new positions, economic growth and vibrancy

ADRIAN — As Adrian continues to pursue citywide enhancements it does so through the scope of its newly drafted strategic plan, a document the city worked on earlier this summer with engagement from residents.

An aspect of the city’s strategic plan is to hear monthly reports from Adrian City Administrator Greg Elliott about the plan’s progress.

Such a check-in on the strategic plan was conducted during the city commission’s Oct. 16 premeeting work study session. Much of that check-in was devoted to Elliott discussing the role of Adrian’s proposed community development coordinator position, who would work in tandem with Adrian’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to pursue grants related to business development.

A job description for the community development coordinator is still in the draft stages, Elliott said, even though the city already has a job description after having a similar position a few years back.

As identified by the city’s strategic plan, there is much that can be gained from having an in-house person doing that type of grant writing and business legwork, Elliott said.

Jay Marks, Adrian’s Main Street/DDA executive director who specializes in economic development, takes on much of that work right now. His role, if the city goes through with creating a community development coordinator, would mostly be focused on enhancing the business opportunities downtown. The community development coordinator would work toward “a high quality of life throughout Adrian,” Elliott suggested.

Marks is a city employee who is borrowed to assist the DDA. The city supplements the DDA with $35,000 each year for the task of applying for grants that can benefit the city, mostly focused on the downtown.

Commissioner Gordon Gauss said while having a focus of bringing businesses to downtown Adrian is important, he is more interested in having someone come to the city with a focus of enhancing business opportunities citywide.

Lenawee Now, Elliott described, on behalf of Adrian, is focused on site location referrals and certain locations in Adrian the city seeks to market for “prime business ventures.” Nothing the city might do regarding a community development director/grant writer will change its relationship with Lenawee Now, he said.

“We are relying on them right now for all of that sort of activity,” he said.

Adrian also needs to dispel the perception that it isn’t business friendly, Gauss added, “if we are going to get anything to come to town.”

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It’s been a little more than one month since Adrian adopted its new strategic plan. Economic growth and vibrancy and enhanced community image are two of the points in the plan the city is seeking to accomplish.

Other topics of the plan include public and parks safety and a proposed diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) coordinator.

New revenue streams, ambulance services, communication, law enforcement and blight are some examples of issues that have been presented during previous Adrian strategic plans.

The city’s growth and vibrancy are being addressed, Elliott said, as Adrian’s planning commission reworks its zoning ordinance.

The city is able to take a deeper dive into its zoning ordinance because it recently achieved an “Essentials” status through the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

Since earning the “Essentials” designation, Adrian can secure funding, workshops and guidance through the state on how to better develop its community as part of the Redevelopment Ready Communities program, which was launched by MEDC in 2013. It is a voluntary initiative that empowers communities to shape their future by building a foundation of planning, zoning and economic best practices while integrating them into everyday functions.

Reaching the “Essentials” designation, the MEDC said, is a formal recognition that a community has a vision for the future and the fundamental practices in place to get there.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Adrian strategic planning looks at new roles, economic growth