Manassas To Implement Business Strategies

Council Approves Goals To Stay Competitive

Business incentives, new marketing tactics and a faster permit process will help Manassas keep its commercial base strong, Manassas Economic Development Manager Debi Sandlin told the City Council on Monday.

Sandlin presented these strategies along with short- and long-term economic goals as part of the city's 2009-12 Economic Strategic Plan, which was unanimously approved by the City Council. It will replace the strategic plan that is to expire at the end of the year.

"This plan is formed so we can be competitive on a regional and national level," Sandlin said. "This is an aggressive plan, but it is an achievable plan if the proper resources are in place."

Ten goals are outlined, with dozens of strategies to reach them. The plan is meant to be a "living roadmap" that will guide the city's economic development as officials work to increase the commercial tax base and keep people from commuting outside Manassas for work. An estimated 62 to 68 percent of Manassas residents work elsewhere, Sandlin said.

Manassas Commissioner of Revenue John Grzejka said the commercial base made up about 31 percent of the city's tax base.

"The ideal is to have 60 [percent] residential and 40 commercial, but that is hard for any locality," Sandlin said. "Residential always outpaces commercial, but the more we can do to reduce the burden, the better."

Sandlin said the two biggest challenges Manassas faces are retaining businesses and attracting new ones.

"It is vital we offer opportunity for existing businesses to grow, expand and stay in the city," Sandlin said.

Tax incentives, a new General Services Administration consultant who specializes in bringing federal facilities to the area, aggressive marketing tactics and maintaining a strong relationship with state officials are ways to attract companies, according to the plan.

"We are one of 130 communities across the state competing for the same piece of pie," Sandlin said. "We need to work with the state so they call us" when a business is looking to relocate.

Sandlin also said the plan will address the city's permitting process. Businesses often complain about how long it takes to get a building permit, she said. The process might be improved by using outside building inspectors, identifying areas that can be streamlined and establishing a processing schedule.

"I'm very impressed with the action plan," council member Jonathan L. Way (R) said. "The goals are wonderful, and the action steps are realistic. . . . We need to take action on this sometime soon."

Sandlin said some, but not all, of the goals can be achieved with her department's $310,000 budget.

To cut costs and encourage efficiency, some on the council suggested combining parts of the plan with Republican member Andrew L. Harrover's Manassas Next initiative.