Economic Development Program Highlights (Cont.)

 The Downtown Ambassador Program is an expansion of the Concierge initiative started last year by the CSDD to assist with the homeless community, improve the cleanliness of downtown, and provide information and directions to visitors downtown

 $110,000 of their $220,000 contract has been expended

 On September 6, 2022, at the City Council Work Session, the City Council directed Staff to work with Cool Spring District, Inc. (CSDD) to bring back the required subsequent actions for implementation of a social district in the downtown footprint.

Building Re-Use Grants

The Building Reuse Program is administered by the Rural Division of the North Carolina Department of Commerce; it provides grants to local governments for two purposes: the renovation of vacant buildings and the renovation or expansion of a building occupied by an existing North Carolina company wishing to expand in its current location.

 ChenMed project at 4101 Raeford Rd was approved for a $300,000 Building Reuse grant that requires a $15,000 city match; 30 new jobs will be created

 eClerx project at 325 McPherson Church Rd. is still active; job goal not met

 Advanced Computer Learning Center project at 208 Hay St. is still active; job goal not met

 Showcase Restoration, INC project at 128 Drake St. is still active; job goal not met

Golden Leaf Foundation

Golden LEAF funds economic development projects that focus on creating and retaining jobs, attracting new business to North Carolina, expanding industries and training new workers.

 The City was approved for a $965,830 grant for the Fayetteville Regional Airport Sewer Improvement project during the prior program year; no funds expended

 SHPO request and ER completed during the quarter

 Staff is consulting with PWC regarding next steps on the project

Fayetteville-Cumberland Economic Development Corporation (FCEDC)

The City and County have an interlocal agreement for conducting economic development activities and services through FCEDC, a non-profit corporation created by both parties.

 FCEDC facilitates business projects that increase employment in the community and provides direct support to local industry

 FCEDC coordinates with the ECD department on any potential Building Re-use projects or any other available economic development incentives to recruit businesses

 $115,000 contract with a $57,500 remaining balance