City of Salem, NJ Chapter 11 Commerce Department

[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of the City of Salem 4-18-2016 by Ord. No. 16-06; amended in its entirety 11-15-2021 by Ord. No. 21-11. Amendments noted where applicable.]

§ 11-1 Establishment.

There is hereby established a Department of Commerce in and for the City of Salem.

§ 11-2 Administration and oversight.

The Executive Director of the Commerce Department shall report to the Administration Committee of the City Council. The City Council shall also have oversight over the Commerce Department. The City Council shall direct and empower the Director of Commerce to set forth all commerce and economic policies in addition to all policies, procedures and compliance measures for all departments contained therein, inclusive of governmental and nongovernmental partners and/or designees in the areas under the jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce and Economic Development. The Mayor and the Director of Commerce and Economic Development shall have authority over all reporting and compliance procedures related to all commerce and economic activities and offices therein contained. This shall apply to nongovernmental partners and/or City services designees as well.

§ 11-3 Purpose.

The Department of Commerce and Economic Development shall serve as an advisory department over all matters relating to commerce and economic development in the City of Salem and shall serve as the City's apex economic development organization and, as such, is authorized to oversee, recommend, implement, and enforce policies approved by the Mayor and Council which are designed to: promote economic growth, coordinate and manage all economic activities in the City inclusive of commercial corridors; interface with existing businesses, both large and small, to encourage growth, expansion and retention; attract new business, commerce and industry to locate or relocate within the City; and increase minority-owned businesses and contracting opportunities.

§ 11-4 Authority over certain authorities, offices, boards and commissions.

The Office of Commerce and Economic Development shall contain and/or coordinate with the following two authorities: the Salem Port Authority and Salem Housing Authority; and other offices/agencies providing technical or support to the City of Salem.

§ 11-5 Coordination with other departments, agencies, and groups.

The Commerce Department shall serve as the City's umbrella organization for all economic development activity and related funding in the City and is authorized to manage and coordinate all works of related offices, agencies, partners and initiatives covering business expansion, job creation, international trade, transportation, planning, public-private partnerships, job training, brownfields, housing development, intergovernmental relations and cultural development. In this regard the Commerce Department is authorized and empowered to use such processes as are necessary to establish and maintain a direct link to City, county, state, nonprofit, faith-based departments, agencies and groups that are or can foster economic and/or community development within Salem City.

§ 11-6 Executive Director.

There is hereby created the title of "Executive Director" of the Commerce Department for the City of Salem. The City Council, by resolution, shall appoint the Executive Director; the Executive Director shall serve at the pleasure of the Council and accordingly may be removed with or without cause by 2/3 vote of the City Council which shall become effective three months after its adoption. The City Council shall fix the budget for the Department and the compensation related to the position of Executive Director.

§ 11-7 Functions.

The Commerce Department through the Executive Director, and subject to the oversight and directions of the Mayor and City Council, shall have authority:

A. To manage, guide and implement action plans designed to achieve the purpose of the Department.

B. To serve as chief compliance officer in matters related to commerce and economic development on behalf of the City to offices, agencies, representatives, boards and commissions under the jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce and Economic Development.

C. To design and implement campaigns approved by the Mayor and Council to attract industrial, commercial, and other economic development into the City.

D. To undertake an inventory and the securing and promotion of sites whose development is in line with the policies of government and to the economic benefit of the City.

E. To manage, arrange, and coordinate City services necessary for specific economic development projects.

F. To keep appropriate statistics and data to indicate trends in economic development and make evaluations and recommendations concerning the same.

G. To review and make recommendations concerning economic development and planning for the Comprehensive Master Plan of the City.

H. To manage, coordinate, and ensure compliance of the City's economic development efforts with those of other governmental bodies and agencies.

I. To administer, coordinate, and ensure compliance with federal, state, county, and local aid programs pertaining to economic development in the City, except as otherwise provided.

J. To serve as the chief conduit for the business community and City government relating to economic and community development projects and issues.

K. To conduct regular management meetings with departments, agencies, and groups as referenced in § 11-4 above.

L. To recommend economic development strategies, actions, grant opportunities and other actions to the Mayor and City Council.

M. To manage, implement and ensure compliance with economic development plans approved by the Mayor and City Council.

N. To maintain regular contact with the Mayor and meet semiannually with the City Council.

O. To prepare proposed short- and long-term action plans for the Department for review by and approval of the Mayor and the City Council.

P. To submit a monthly written report to the Mayor and the City Council.

Q. To perform such other function as may, from time to time, be determined by the Mayor and/or City Council.

R. Over the Port of Salem and the rates and charges for the use thereof.

S. Over the Salem Housing Authority coordination function for City government.

T. Over jurisdiction and oversight as the City's representative, on special purpose, economic development and redevelopment zones and districts.

U. Over matters relating to celebrations, parades, and other similar functions, and acting as liaison for City government with volunteer organizations sponsoring such events within the City.

V. Over all matters relating to the promotion of commerce, economic development, and employment within the City.

W. When authorized by the Mayor and City Council, over solicitations and/or expenditures of federal and state funds for the promotion of commerce and economic development related activities and employment within the City.

X. Over all matters related to international relationships, international commerce, international visitors, international business, global marketing, and investments from overseas.

Y. Over all matters related to foreign governments and overseas entities, cultural exchanges, trade missions, global collaborating and strategic alliances.

Z. Over all matters related to developing and promoting Salem's creative/innovative economy.