McGregor searching for economic development lead
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor
The McGregor City Council gave the go-ahead, at a special meeting last week, to begin searching for an economic development lead for the city.
McGregor City Administrator Lynette Sander said the city’s acting deputy clerk, Sue Dolan, has tentatively stated her desire to retire in the coming spring, opening the door to create the economic development position.
“We’d like to start looking as soon as possible,” Sander said.
The city has begun advertising for the position and hopes to interview prospective candidates in January. The economic development lead would start around February on a part-time basis, then transition to full-time by April, as some of the deputy clerk administrative duties are added. Sander will also take on some of the deputy clerk workload.
The economic development lead’s job duties will include creating revitalization strategies for both businesses and the residential community. The person will work with businesses, property owners, local and state agencies and community groups to strengthen the local economy.
“There are a lot of things to get going, to be more in the forefront on,” Sander said, particularly bringing a hotel to the community and strengthening the downtown.
The economic development position will not consist of any tourism or recreation duties, which are in the purview of the McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce.