EDAWN is a partnership between private industry and regional public entities for the purpose of encouraging growth and diversification of the regional economy. In general, EDAWN assists primary businesses (companies that produce raw materials for sale to secondary industries that manufacture, construct or refine those materials into retail products) in the Reno-Sparks area that export most of the goods and services produced, thereby injecting “new” revenue into the community. EDAWN helps companies interested in relocating to the region or existing companies considering expansion with real estate selection, permitting, licensing, data sourcing, public relations, access to workforce resources, market analysis and application for state-sponsored business incentives and tax abatements. The Three-Year Economic Development Strategic Plan adopted by EDAWN identifies advanced manufacturing, distribution, logistics and e-commerce, back office, business support and data centers, clean energy, aerospace, aviation and defense as the industries targeted for attraction to the region along with corporate headquarters for any industry. The City of Sparks has been an EDAWN Investor since the authority's inception in 1983.

Between 2012 and 2018, EDAWN's efforts brought nearly 800 new jobs to Sparks (almost 450 of which remain). Several hundred more jobs were created in Spanish Springs and other nearby places in unincorporated Washoe County, affecting both the local economy and provision of governnment services. In general, the addition of truly new jobs in the region creates a "ripple effect" resulting in even more job creation in other sectors (called the local multiplier effect) that is particularly apparent when the jobs added are high-paying, high-quality types of employment targeted by EDAWN. The net result of new employment opportunities is an expanded local and regional economy that drives increased state and local revenue.

EDAWN additionally compiles and tracks information that the City uses in evaluating certain policy decisions related to land use planning and business licensing standards, and is a leading resource for promotion of the business-friendly climate created by the City Council. Along with the Governor's Office of Economic Development (GOED), EDAWN helps represent the City and region with "one economic voice." As with years past, the City Council included $100,000 for the City's annual contribution to EDAWN in the planned general fund expenditures identified in the FY20 budget.

1. The City Council may approve the expenditure as presented by the City Manager.

2. The City Council may reject the request from EDAWN and provide direction to the City Manager.

I move to approve payment of the City's membership dues with EDAWN in the amount of $100,000 for Fiscal Year 2019-2020.