On June 21, 2011, the Franklin Common Council approved Ordinance No. 2011-2052 thereby dissolving the Economic Development Commission and creating the Forward Franklin Economic Development Committee, which in all respects shall be the successor to the Economic Development Commission for all purposes, including, but not limited to all legal and equitable purposes.

The purpose of the Forward Franklin Economic Development Committee is to promote and enhance the City of Franklin; to actively pursue, within the goals and guidelines of the Common Council of the City of Franklin, Wisconsin, commercial and industrial business development/investment for relocation into the City of Franklin to achieve a balanced tax base; to work with the business community in the retention and expansion of the businesses already within the City; and to promote the City in various manners as an excellent place to live and do business.

The Forward Franklin Economic Development Committee is comprised of 7 members, 1 of which is an Aldermen, and one of whom is a member of the Board of Directors of Citizens for Community Development, Inc. who has been nominated for appointment and confirmation consideration for Committee membership by such Board of Directors.  The members of the Committee are appointed by the Mayor, confirmed by the Common Council, and serve without compensation.  The initial term of the remaining 6 members are as follows:  three (3) members shall serve for one (1) year; three (3) members shall serve for two (2) years, from July 1 in the year of their appointment.  Additionally, the Citizens for Community Development, Inc. member's term shall serve only during his/her term(s) of Boad of Directors membership office and the term of the Citizens for Community Development, Inc. member shall expire, without regard to the qualification of any successor, upon the date that such member no longer holds such Board of Directors membership office.  Thereafter, each regular non-Aldermanic appointment shall be made for a term of two years.

Powers and Duties:

• Assist the Community Development Authority to determine types and locations of commercial and manufacturing zoning throughout the City, for report and recommendation to the Plan Commission and Common Council, as the Common Council may determine appropriate or necessary from time to time.
  
  
• Determine and target, with direction from the Common Council and input from City staff, specific industries, businesses and commercial developments for the various parcels zoned for such uses throughout the City and determine the economic impact of such developments compared to various other types of developments such as condominiums, single-family homes, apartments and the like. The economic evaluation should consider tax benefits and job growth, as well as the potential costs associated with various developments such as costs for roads, police and fire services, schools and other public facilities and services.
   
• Act as a liaison to developers of commercial, industrial and retail business developments throughout the City. Assist and guide businesses and developers through the various procedures and departments.
  
  
• Develop and implement a retention program to retain existing businesses in the City.
  
  
• Develop and implement a plan to solicit businesses for relocation to the City.
  
  
• Work with City departments to enhance services to the business community.
  
  
• Determine local, state and federal tax incentives and other inducements for attracting quality businesses and developments.
  
  
• Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy to include promotional materials, public relations efforts, surveys and the enhancement of the City's existing web site from a marketing perspective.

The Community Development Authority is hereby charged with the Duties as set forth under Subsection E. above, as may be otherwise required under Wis. Stat. § 66.1335(4), and with the oversight of the Forward Franklin Economic Development Committee, accordingly.

The Forward Franklin Economic Development Committee Chairman or designee shall appear at Community Development Authority meeting(s) as may be directed by the Authority Chairman, to report upon the activities of the Committee.

The Forward Franklin Economic Development Committee shall be the successor to all rights, duties, interests and obligations of the Economic Development Commission and the Franklin Industrial Commission as may be set forth in all other actions, ordinances and resolutions of the City of Franklin adopted prior to the effective date of this Section (July 1, 2011) and all other agreements and documents executed and actions taken pursuant thereto, including, but not limited to Ordinance No. 85-864, creating Planned Development District No. 7, as amended, and the Franklin Industrial Park Deed Restrictions and Protective Covenants/Architectural Controls, as adopted and amended by Resolution No. 88-3189 and Resolution No. 90-3473, as amended.

Members: