The Planning Process

1. Development of SEAGO CEDS Governance

SEAGO has implemented the new Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) governance structure as prescribed by the EDA. The creation of a CEDS Strategy Committee, which makes recommendations to the CEDS Administrative Council, and finally to the CEDS Executive Board. The overall governance of both the SEAGO Region and the SEAGO EDD will mirror each other. The Administrative Council and Executive Board have final approval over the CEDS process and content. (see Appendix B & C for a list of members).

2. Development of SEAGO CEDS Policies and Procedures

SEAGO CEDS Policy and Procedures

Purpose To clarify and quantify CEDS implementation, benchmarking and overall results tracking.

Revision History original document 4-18-11 – revisions to date: None

Persons affected SEAGO EDP, SEAGO member entities, SEAGO EDD members

Policy For the sake of consistency, the SEAGO CEDS Policy, unless otherwise noted, will conform to the existing SEAGO Bylaws, procurement policies and employment standards as amended approved by the SEAGO Administrative Council and Executive Board, unless superseded by EDA requirements.

Definitions The protocol for using abbreviations and or acronyms will be as follows: the name of an entity, program, or other text thereafter to be referred or exemplified by alpha or numerical characters shall first be written out in full with the abbreviation or acronym flowing the text within parenthesis. Example: Southeastern Arizona Governments Organization (SEAGO). Hereafter the term SEAGO would be used to denote the longer version of the full name or title.

Thus, after the first use of the full name, full text, etc. references to the previously identified name, program, title, etc. shall be designated by use of the abbreviation or acronym.

Responsibilities

Administrative The Economic Development District (EDD) Administrator, or Economic Development Planner (EDP) may be the same person. This person(s) coordinate activities and employees within the office setting.

The EDD administrator or EDP is responsible for implementing and ensuring that basic organizational functions are performed. The administrator or EDP coaches and educates all staff, member entities and EDD members regarding SEAGO EDD policy and procedures.

The EDD administrator or EDP responsibilities include the maintenance of day-to-day financial and accounting records, coordination and overall management of office policies. Administrative tasks also include scheduling of work time, events, field visits, site visits, procedures and assignments to staff, interns, or other office volunteer workers.

The EDD administrator or EDP will design and implement staff communication programs to ensure ongoing, positive communication, throughout the organization. The EDD administrator or EDP is responsible for encouraging the growth and assisting in the evaluation process of EDD staff. The main task of the EDD administrator or EDP is to provide administrative support to all member entities and official members of the EDD.

Financial The financial director shall act as the source of financial information, support and provide financial advice for member entities, clients and customers. The objective is to provide useful and helpful information which in turn helps the entity, client or customer be able to make better choices in regard to financial decisions, borrowing, lending.

It is the responsibility of the financial director to manage the financial sector of the revolving loan fund, with assistance from the SEAGO Finance Director.

Governmental As a result of funding from EDA the EDD administrator, EDP is a government worker, as such this person has responsibility to be truthful and honest in their work while carrying out all government job responsibilities. They have to be free from any sort of corruption and be ready to serve with all sincerity. Government workers are expected to impart their knowledge to the public. Government workers keep account of all dealings carried out with the public they serve.

Government job responsibilities include that a government worker is expected to follow the rules and regulations that have been laid down by the government. They must also ensure that all funds allocated for carrying out various work is used as originally intended unless authorization to amend the use is granted by the SEAGO Executive Director or Executive Board whichever has purview. .

Procedures The rules and regulations of SEAGO, the State of Arizona, EDA and the Federal government apply. Adherence to these rules and regulations is mandatory.

3. Community Involvement

Each member entity as well as private citizens throughout the region have had an opportunity numerous times to provide input and feedback.

Over the past two years several public meetings have taken place. In addition the Administrative Council and Executive Board are regularly updated by correspondence as well as in-person reports during Council and Board meetings as indicated by Council and Board Minute entries.

As appropriate, within budget allowances and whenever scheduling allows, the EDD Administrator or EDP will take an active role in meeting with member entities and existing economic development organizations throughout the region upon their request. As time allows a rotating meeting cycle across the region will be established, additionally online meeting capability will be offered to save time and money on travel.

Membership on boards, commissions, professional organizations, etc. by the EDD Administrator or EDP is not mandatory but is recommended.