Enterprise Zone Development Agency
ESTABLISHED: Pursuant to F.S. 290.00725 Enterprise Zone designation for the City of Ocala and F.S. 290.0055(b) and F.S. 290.0056 requiring the establishment of an Enterprise Zone Development Agency. It is the public body corporate and politic responsible for administering the requirements of the nominated Enterprise Zone.
MEMBERSHIP: Not fewer than 8 or more than 13 commissioners. The City Council may appoint at least one representative from each of the following: the local chamber of commerce; local financial or insurance entities; local businesses and, where possible, businesses operating within the nominated area; the residents residing within the nominated area; nonprofit community-based organizations operating within the nominated area; the regional workforce board; the local code enforcement agency; and the local law enforcement agency. The terms of office of the commissioners shall be for 4 years, except that, in making the initial appointments, the City Council shall appoint two members for terms of 3 years, two members for terms of 2 years, and one member for a term of 1 year; the remaining initial members shall serve for terms of 4 years.
TERM: Four years
MEETING: Quarterly dependent upon activity and reporting requirements.
DUTIES: Assist in the development, implementation, and annual review and update of the strategic plan or measurable goals. Oversee and monitor the implementation of the strategic plan or measurable goals. The agency shall make quarterly reports to the City Council, evaluating the progress in implementing the strategic plan or measurable goals. Identify and recommend to the City Council, ways to remove regulatory barriers. Identify to the City Council the financial needs of, and local resources or assistance available to, eligible businesses in the zone. Assist in promoting the enterprise zone incentives to residents and businesses within the enterprise zone. Recommend boundary changes, as appropriate, in the enterprise zone to the City Council. Prior to December 1 of each year, the agency shall submit to the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development a complete and detailed written report.