City Council:
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE
NO. 19 ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON
DECEMBER 27, 2023, ENTITLED “AN ORDINANCE
AUTHORIZING THE CITY COUNCIL TO ADOPT
AND ESTABLISH THE MOUNT VERNON ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE”
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain, and enact:
Section 1. The first decretal paragraph, and Section 2 of Ordinance No. 19, adopted by the City Council on December 27, 2023, entitled “AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY COUNCIL TO ADOPT AND ESTABLISH THE MOUNT VERNON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE” is hereby amended as follows:
Whereas, by letter dated [December 22, 2023] March 19, 2025, the City Council President has requested legislation to amend Ordinance No. 19, adopted by the City Council on December 27, 2023, authorizing the City Council to adopt and establish the Mount Vernon Economic Development Task Force, and
Whereas, the City of Mount Vernon recognizes the need for proactive economic diversification to alleviate financial pressure on residents and ensure a stable economic future; and
Whereas, the current reliance on property taxes as the primary source of municipal revenue is becoming increasingly unsustainable and burdensome for the residents; and
Whereas, the establishment of the Mount Vernon Economic Development Task Force is proposed to unite the collective expertise of City Council members, the Mayor’s office, local business leaders, educational representatives, non-profit organizations, and citizens to advise on economic policies, develop strategic plans, promote business growth, and identify new revenue opportunities; and
Whereas, the Task Force is intentionally structured with staggered appointments to foster continuity and sustained progress; Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved That:
The City of Mount Vernon, in City Council convened, does hereby ordain, and enact:
Section 1. Establishment of the Mount Vernon Economic Development Task Force. There is hereby established the Mount Vernon Economic Development Task Force (“Task Force”).
Section 2. Composition of the Task Force. The Task Force shall consist of members appointed by City Council members, the Mayor’s office, local business leaders, educational representatives, non-profit organizations, and our citizens. This ordinance expands the Task Force membership to include the following additional seats:
1. One additional resident of the City of Mount Vernon, appointed by the Mayor for a term of three (3) years, increasing the total number of Mayoral appointees from the community to two (2).
2. The Director of the Urban Renewal Agency (URA) or their designated representative.
3. The City Comptroller or their designated representative.
The composition is intentionally structured with staggered appointments to foster continuity and sustained progress.
(a) The Task Force shall advise on economic policies, develop strategic plans, promote business growth, and identify new revenue opportunities to diminish the reliance on property taxes.
Section 4. Effective Date. (a) This ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage and approval.
New matter underlined
Deleted matter in brackets [ ]