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Home My WebLink AboutEconomic Development Advisory Committee - Terms of Reference - GOV-BOA-095Page 1 of 4 POLICY GOV-BOA-095 Economic Development Advisory Committee - Terms of Reference Category GOV - Governance Sub-category BOA - Board & Committee Approval Type COUNCIL Department/Division Development Services Department / Economic Development Author and Position Click here to enter text. Date Approved August 4, 2005 Last Reviewed/Amended April 13, 2026 Next Review Date April 13, 2031 Related Policies or Procedures • Appointments to Board and Committees (GOV-BOA-063) • Code of Conduct for Members of Council, Local Boards & Advisory Committees (GOV- COU-005) • Municipal Code Chapter 25 (Procedure By-law) 1. Policy Purpose The primary purpose of the Economic Development Advisory Committee is to advise Council and the Economic Development Division of the City of Kitchener in the development and on - going implementation of economic development strategies and initiatives. 2. Definitions "Ad Hoc Committee" or "Sub Committee" means a committee created with a defined ending, that shall not constitute quorum. "Advisory Committee" means a committee created by Council, to report to Staff or a designated Committee on a specific subject. "Chair" means the role to facilitate and chair meetings. “Quorum” shall consist of a Majority of the voting members appointed to the Committee. Quorum shall be reduced when a member has formally resigned from the Committee or when fewer than maximum number of members have been appointed to the Committee. If quorum is not achieved at a meeting, the meeting may continue but no decisions may be made, and no resolutions may be passed. Any items on the agenda requiring a decision or resolution of the Committee will be referred to the next scheduled meeting. For any m ember Page 2 of 4 participating virtually, where possible cameras are encouraged to be on, to ensure quorum is maintained. "Vice-Chair" a role that assumes the authority and performs all the duties of the Chair in the absence of the Chair. 3. Policy Scope Application ☐ Employees (Indicate below which categories apply: All employees, Permanent full-time, Temporary full-time, Continuous part- time, Casual, Probationary, Student, Management, Non-union) • Click or tap here to enter text. ☐ Unions (Indicate below which categories apply: All Unions, CUPE 68 Civic, CUPE 68 Mechanics, CUPE 791, IATSE, IBEW, KPFFA) • Click or tap here to enter text. ☐ Council ☐ Specified Positions: Click or tap here to enter text. ☒ Other: Local Boards and Advisory Committees 4. Policy Content 4.1 Mandate The mandate of the City’s Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) is to: • Advise Council and staff in the development and implementation of an economic development policy, including both long-term and short-term objectives. • Assist the Economic Development Division in aligning its annual work with Kitchener’s economic development strategy: Make it Kitchener 2.0. • Advise the Economic Development Division about its marketing plan and initiatives (i.e. trade shows, web page, newsletters, events, market research information, publications and best practices from across North America, etc.). • Play a key role in the development of partnerships such as Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation, Communitech, Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Centres, other municipalities, and the Province to advance the City’s economic strategy. • Partner with City staff in hosting incoming missions/dignitaries, visitation programs and other initiatives which contribute to economic wealth of the community. EDAC members are emissaries/ambassadors of the business community and of the City of Kitchener. • Identify emerging economic conditions/new trends/niche markets that will assist in shaping the strategic plan for Economic Development. • Assist in the review and monitoring of the City’s initiatives for reuse of existing Page 3 of 4 infrastructure, buildings and employment lands. • Propose programs for the enhancement of the image of the community and the development of other amenities and services related to economic development. • Vet new policy matters and specific studies, reports or publications. • Advocate for economic development. • Recommend changes to the City’s policies and economic development climate. 4.2 Goals and Objectives The goal of EDAC is to ensure representation across sectors while maintaining flexibility to align membership with the Make It Kitchener 2.0 (MIK2.0) Strategy. 4.3 Committee Composition, Reporting and Decision Making The Committee shall be comprised of 8-12 members: • Three (3) Members of City Council • One (1) Member of the Community at Large • Eight (8) Members from a cross-section of the business community from identified sectors: o High Tech, Marketing, Financial (Banking), Downtown Retail Business, Downtown Office Owner, Consultant Industry, Hospitality/Convention/Tourism Industry, ICI Realtor Health Sciences, Major Retail (Outside of Downtown), Education, Housing Development, Arts & Culture, Labour Council. Members will be appointed to a 2 year term and remain members of the Committee until new members (successors) are appointed. The Committee shall, from amongst its members, choose Committee Co-Chairs which may or may not include one member of Council. The Committee shall report through the Finance & Corporate Services Committee unless Co- Chairs deem it expedient that a report be made directly to Council. Should the Committee feel a sub-committee is required to deal with specific issues, such sub- committee shall be ad hoc in nature, with specific, clearly articulated mandate. All sub- committees shall be reviewed annually to determine whether they need to continue. Membership on sub-committees may be expanded to include people who are not advisory committee members, to take advantage of individual expertise. Meetings will be held monthly or at the call of the Chair and minutes will be kept by the committee administrator who will distribute the minutes to all of Council and the Corporate Leadership Team. All meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Council’s Procedure By-law. Page 4 of 4 4.4 Quorum Quorum is shall consist of a majority of the Members appointed to the Committee. Quorum shall be reduced when a member has formally resigned from the Committee or when fewer than maximum number of members have been appointed to the Committee. If quorum is not achieved at a meeting, the meeting may continue but no decisions may be made, and no resolutions may be passed. Any items on the agenda requiring a decision or resolution of the Committee will be deferred to the next scheduled meeting. For any member participating virtually, where possible, cameras are encouraged to be on to ensure quorum is maintained. 4.5 Committee Member Attendance and Expectations Any member of the Committee who fails to attend three successive regular meetings, without communicating or being authorized, may be removed from the Committee. Committee member attendance may be taken into consideration when considering members for reappointment. 5. Results of Review ☐ No Edits Required ☐ Housekeeping Edits ☒ Substantial Edits ☐ Repeal/Replace 6. Policy History Administrative and Housekeeping Changes Date Nature of Change 2016-06 Policy I-095 template re-formatted to new numbering system and given number GOV-BOA-095. 2018-04-03 Department name change due to corporate re-organization. 2021-10-28 Administrative updates. Substantial Changes Date Council/CLT Directive 2006-12-04 As per Council directive 2012-08-27 As per Council directive 2024-11-18 As Per Council/CLT Directive - Report COR 2024-018 2026-04-13 As Per Council/CLT Directive - Report COR-2026-131