With Redevelopment Dead, City Taking New Approach to Business Development

Monrovia was last year, but that was before one of it's favorite tools for attracting and retaining businesses got the axe from the state.

The State Supreme Court's ruling throughout California did away with the Monrovia Redevelopment Agency, a resource credited by city leaders for revitalizing the city and its Old Town district.

Without the advantage of redevelopment dollars, the city is now taking a hands-on approach to business development and retention, according to new City Manager Laurie Lile.

"From Monrovia’s largest employers to the family-owned business in Old Town, the city is making it a priority to come in and visit," Lile wrote in her weekly report Thursday. "To date, the city has visited 10 local businesses in an effort to reach out, and we don’t come empty-handed.

City Council members and business development staff meet with the businesses in person and deliver information and a survey, according to Lile.

"...These visits provide the city a chance to provide and partner local businesses with resources they need to be successful, gain insight into our diverse business community, develop relationships with business owners and managers, and provide assistance to businesses facing hardship," Lile wrote.

Small businesses interested in scheduling visitations can contact the city's business development staff through the Online Business Resource Center.