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Data driven Economic Foundation

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• Data-Driven Base: Created a solid, data-driven foundation for economic growth.
• Taxbase Stability: Increase ratables and stabilize the local taxbase.

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Business & community

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• Local Empowerment: Strengthen and support the local business community.
• Sustainable Strategy: Position Spotswood for smart, sustainable development.

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Smart Growth

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• Future Planning: Dedicated smart growth planning for the Borough's future.
• Targeted Expansion: Identify and target strategic areas of smart development.

Borough of Spotswood

Current Opportunities

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Property Analysis

Identify commercial and underutilized properties and spaces for possible economic and redevelopment.

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Centralized Data

Establish centralized, accurate business data to support decision-making and planning.

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Attract Investment

Unlock major opportunities to attract new businesses and secure strategic investments.

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Business Growth

Drive a dedicated focus on business development and support throughout the entire borough.

Borough of Spotswood

Phase 1: Business Directory Development

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Complete Inventory

Developed a complete inventory database of all businesses in Spotswood, organized by category.

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Relationship Building

Next step is to build stronger relationships thorough visitation and direct interactive communication.

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Property Records

Developed a list of property ownership, contact info, and classification using Borough and County resources.

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Living Database

Built a flexible, living database structured for continuous, ongoing updates and maintenance.

Borough of Spotswood

Phase 2: Property Inventory

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Identify Parcels

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Identify all vacant, underutilized, and developable properties.

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Verification

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Verify block and lot data from official tax records.

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Documentation

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Document ownership details and current property conditions.

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Zone Mapping

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Map out key redevelopment zones to guide future projects.

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Property Match

Match properties with highest and best use.

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Align

Align development with community character.

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Action Plans

Create actionable redevelopment strategies.

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Sustainability

Support long-term economic sustainability.

Borough of Spotswood

Business Recruitment Strategy

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SMBs & Franchises

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Focus on attracting small and medium size businesses and franchises that fit local needs (restaurants, retail, service).

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Entrepreneurs

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Attract passionate entrepreneurs to seamlessly fit and enrich the fabric of the community.

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Access & Transit

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Leverage prime proximity to surrounding areas, transportation networks, and major roadways.

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Ease of Business

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Promote a welcoming atmosphere and the absolute ease of doing business in Spotswood.

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Growth

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Support existing businesses with growth from promotions and resources from the county and state.

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Reinvestment

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Encourage physical improvements and continuous reinvestment in local properties.

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Relationships

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Strengthen relationships with local business owners and property stakeholders.

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Control

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Prevent vacancies through proactive, continuous, and dynamic engagement strategies.

Borough of Spotswood

Marketing & Promotion

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Promotional Campaigns

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Launch a 'Do Business in Spotswood' campaign to promote available properties via website and social media.

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Local Events

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Host local business events—such as restaurant weeks and seasonal shopping—and share success stories.

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Business Alliance

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Establish a business alliance connecting local owners with Borough/county officials and stakeholders to leverage local charm.

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Spotlight & PPP

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Implement a business spotlight campaign and foster public-private partnerships with developers.

Borough of Spotswood

Implementation Tools

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Collaboration

Work with internal departments to align operational goals and streamline administrative procedures.

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Engagement

Start visitation and direct active engagement of local business leaders and commercial property owners.

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Grants & Programs

Identify strategic opportunities, redevelopment grant programs, and structured financial resources.

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Partnerships

Develop robust, mutually beneficial public-private partnerships to accelerate community development projects.

Borough of Spotswood

Expected Outcomes

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Reduced Vacancies

Reduced vacancy rates by marketing the Borough as business friendly.

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Local Spending

Increased foot traffic and local spending.

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Job Growth

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Expanded job opportunities.

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Commercial Ratables

Growth in commercial ratables.

Borough of Spotswood

Next Steps

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Data Collection

Begin data collection and verification.

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Documentation

Update of all related created documentation.

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Engagement

Engage stakeholders and property owners.

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Timeline

Establish timeline and reporting milestones.

Our Goal

Establish a Spotswood Business Alliance that strengthens connections among local businesses while fostering collaboration with Borough and County officials.

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Collaboration

• Direct communication channel between local businesses and officials.
• Regular updates directly from the Mayor, Council, Police, and municipal teams.
• Allows department head to advise Businesses and residents updates.

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Community & Events

• Scheduled networking events and meet-and-greets at local businesses.
• Showcase unique local businesses to community leaders and visitors.

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Economic Growth

• Share small business programs, County/State grants, and incentives.
• Promote investment and partnerships for long-term economic vitality.

Our Goal

Introduction of a property tax card program for the Borough.

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Incentives

• A property tax card program can help residents with potential tax savings when shopping at participating businesses. Allowing them to receive money back and help reduce the yearly property taxes.

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Participation

• Businesses participate in the Program. By offering discount at their establishments. Allowing resident, renters or in town workers the cards.
• The Individual signs up at no cost and receives the yearly total in savings off their tax bill or a check back to renters wherever they live.

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Investment for all

• The program allows business to attract residents to shop, dine or purchase their product or services.
• Placing investment directly back into the borough’s tax base.

Steve Mamakas

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makcomgmt@gmail.com

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THANK YOU!