Economic Development Department
The essential nature of economic development is the creation of jobs. With this goal in mind, the Economic Development Department's role is to promote a positive business climate, promote tourism, work to retain and expand local businesses, attract new and expanding businesses in high value-added industry sectors, and foster new enterprises around the community's strengths with specific emphasis on high technology companies.
To achieve the goals of our mission statement, the department works closely with and serves as city liaison with the Tallahassee Area Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Council, Capital City Chamber of Commerce, Florida A&M Small Business Development Center, Downtown Improvement Authority, Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Committee, Downtown Merchants and Business Association, Civic Center Authority, John G. Riley House, Innovation Park Board, and universities and community colleges on all issues relating to economic development.
The department's Minority Business Enterprise Office oversees the City's minority business and disadvantaged business enterprise programs. As a result of combining these programs with the economic development function, the minority business office's role is being expanded to include working with all members of the small business community.
Mission Statement
The City shall partner with public/private interests to promote a diversified economic development program based on our community's needs and strengths; focus to keep and enhance a high quality of life; foster a positive business climate; insure stability and expansion of existing businesses; and attract new targeted industries.
Some of the City's Economic Development projects include:
- Continued marketing of city-owned parcels on Kleman Plaza and Floridan sites as well as the proposed new Business Park.
- Coordination of Challenger Center project at Kleman Plaza.
- Additional pedestrian enhancements in the downtown area.
- Identification of new development sites within the city.
- Business development, expansion and recruitment activities.
- Coordination of International Delegation visits.
- Coordination of the Sister City Program with an emphasis on economic development.
- Coordination of activities with the International Affairs Council, Economic Development Council and Convention and Visitor's Bureau.