To prepare for this influx, a workforce study conducted by Wadley Donovan Gutshaw Consulting identified key concerns such as labor shortages, housing gaps, childcare barriers, and transportation needs. The study projected that over 16, job openings will need to be filled by , particularly in technical and production roles.
Additionally, the organization is focused on marketing local job opportunities to both regional job seekers and talent from outside the state. Following the workforce discussion, the council recognized the first graduating class of the Emerging Leaders Academy, a six-month leadership development program for city employees.
The program, which began in August , focused on topics such as team building, performance management, ethics, and individual development planning.
A total of 17 employees completed the program:. City officials praised the graduates for their commitment to leadership development and expressed excitement for the launch of a second cohort in the coming months.
The council then moved on to zoning and development decisions, including the denial of a rezoning request for East Main Street. Residents in District 1 voiced concerns about increased traffic, decreased property values, and a lack of neighborhood support for affordable housing. The Planning Commission had previously voted to recommend denial, and the council upheld that decision.
