Public might not get to hear much of the debate on dissolving Economic Development and Tourism

Endorse, in principle, the integration of all economic development and tourism services and operations into the City’s organizational structure, consistent with chief administrative officer report CAO-06-25. That Council endorse the staff recommendation, informed by an independent third-party review, to internalize Burlington Economic Development and Tourism (BEDT) functions into City’s structure to optimize existing resources, minimize duplication, enhance operational effectiveness, and align economic development and tourism with the City’s broader strategic priorities; and

Curt Benson was the Commissioner of Development, then got upgraded to Chief Administrative Officer for a one-year term. He might not be around to manage the changes expected.

Direct staff to work closely with BEDT’s Board of Directors to approve BEDT’s 2026 budget and to ensure continuity of operations and support during the transition recommended above. That Council direct Staff to engage and collaborate with key representatives of BEDT’s Board of Directors and members of its Finance & Risk subcommittee to facilitate the agency’s 2026 budget approval to support the integration of all economic development and tourism services and operations under the Chief Administrative Officer’s (CAO) Office by 2027. Concurrently, the annual funding designated for BEDT’s 2026 Service Agreement (SA) would need to be retained within the City‘s 2026 budget; and

Direct staff to develop a transition plan with a report back by April 2026 to outline deliverables for integrating economic development and tourism functions within the municipal organizational structure. That the Chief Transformation Officer (CTO) will lead the development and implementation of this plan, which should include key milestones, timelines, resource implications, and the proposed model to ensure effective oversight of the economic development function by Council; and

Direct the CAO to establish a strategic advisory group to provide strategic industry advice and guidance to the City that will inform the transition plan. That this group or committee, chaired by the CAO or designate, be established to leverage private-sector expertise without duplicating a formal board role. Key representatives from BEDT and its Board of Directors should also be invited to inform the transition plan, including efforts to minimize any disruption to ongoing economic development and tourism initiatives and to stakeholder relations during the changeover.