Denton EDP Blog

Denton’s Economic Development Structural Model

Posted: 04/05/2011
Karen Dickson

Because of Denton’s unique economic development structural model, I often get questions asking for clarification of our structure. Let me take some time to explain how we do economic development in Denton.

Typically, an economic development department is located in either the city or in the chamber of commerce of that community. However, in Denton, an economic development department exists in both the city and the chamber. That structure was created in 1987 when the Denton Chamber of Commerce and the City of Denton entered into a contractual agreement. The Chamber was charged with industrial recruitment and marketing of the city while the City’s office provided support in the way of site information and incentive policy development.

In 2003, the Denton Economic Development Partnership became more formally structured with the establishment of a strategic plan. Part of that plan called for the creation of a seven member board of directors charged with oversight of the implementation of the plan and the formation of task forces to work on each area of focus. The adoption of a strategic plan and the creation of the board marked the turning point in the partnership as we had a clear vision with goals to be accomplished. 

Today, the chamber’s role is to handle external economic development activities such as: marketing and promotion, lead generation, site visits, and prospect development. The city’s role is to act as lead staff to the Economic Development Partnership board and handle internal efforts such as: business retention, ombudsman to businesses, and provide technical and advisory support. The clear division of duties and the lack of redundancy in our program allows each department true authority and abiity to focus on their respective areas of expertise as we work together to achieve Denton’s economic development goals.    

Get more information on our economic development partnership.

View our 2003 Strategic Plan.

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