2026-09-16 · City Council · Agenda Packet · Citywide Development Authority – Special Called Meeting · Agenda Packet

City of Stockbridge Citywide Development Authority STOCKBRIDGE Development Authority Ariel Shaw, Chair Gadson Woodall, Vice Chair LaKeisha Gantt, Secretary Citywide Development Authority SCM Virtual Meeting Agenda September 16, 2026 11:00 AM Gadson Woodall, Treasurer Monica Jones, Board Member Vacant, Board Member Ivy D. Sears, Board Member Jai Tazel, Board Member Jacqueline Humphries, Board Member William Smith Economic Development Director Elle Whigham, Recorder Location: Virtual Teams Link Citywide Development Authority (DA) The work of development authorities is crucial for the ability for local government to create a legacy of sustained prosperity and requires strong leadership from board members, staff, and elected officials. The Citywide Development Authority is a (9) nine-member authority consisting of (8) residents of the City and/or business owners and operators preferably with subject-matter expertise such as attorneys, realtors, developers, and zoning experts and (1) member of the Governing Body. The directors shall be taxpayers residing in the county or municipal corporation for which the authority is created, and their successors shall be appointed as provided by the resolution provided for in Code Section 36-62-4 SCM VIRTUAL AGENDA CITYWIDE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 11:00 AM I. Welcome & Call To Order - Chair 1 Microsoft Teams meeting . Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/267657058013681?p=hTS1tlsFs3wvOK6u Zg Meeting ID: 267 657 058 013 681 Passcode: Kw39wf6q II. Roll Call - Secretary III. Approval of Agenda IV. Old Business 2. Review and Approval of August 2026 Minutes 3. Small business loan Program (Codify) — Small business grantee sessions booked (November) V. New Business VI. Executive Session to Discuss Real Estate Matters As Needed VII. Adjournment Citywide Development Authority Meeting Minutes Tuesday, August 11, 2026 Stockbridge City Hall Levi Meeting Room 6:00 P.M. Ariel Shaw, Chair​ Present LaKeisha Gantt, Secretary/Councilmember​ Present Gadson Woodall, Vice Chair &Treasurer Absent Kim Mays, Board Member Absent Jai Tazel, Board Member​ Present Jacqueline Humphries, Board Member​ Present Monica Jones, Board Member​ Present William Smith, Economic Development Director​ Present Elle Whigham, Board Attorney​ Present Ivy D. Sears, Board Member Absent Chair Shaw called the meeting to order at 6:16 p.m. Roll Call occurred at 6:17 pm. Councilwoman Gant arrived at 6:17 pm. A quorum was established at 6:18 p.m. Approval of Agenda Jacqueline Humphries moved to approve the agenda. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman LaKeisha Gantt and approved unanimously. Approval of May 12, 2026 Minutes The Board reviewed the May 12, 2026 meeting minutes. Chair Shaw moved to amend the minutes to reflect that William Smith and Jai Tazel were present at the May 12, 2026 meeting and that Wallace Washington served as attorney/recorder in place of Elle Whigham. The motion was seconded by Jacqueline Humphries and approved unanimously. Henry County Schools Grants Chair Shaw introduced Dr. McCreary to provide an update regarding workforce development, youth investment, and Henry County's STEM school. Dr. McCreary discussed the role of the external STEM Advisory Board in guiding curriculum. Chair Shaw asked about potential expansion and opportunities for additional schools. Dr. McCreary stated that expansion is not currently part of the immediate vision, but pathway opportunities are growing and feedback is welcomed. Grant funding allocated for five Henry County schools was presented to Dr. McCreary. The full amount was $2,500.00. The individual amount to each school is $500.00. A ceremonial check presentation and photographs followed. Chris Tucker Golf Tournament & Comedy Show The Board discussed sponsorship and participation in the Chris Tucker Golf Tournament and Comedy Show. The Authority participated in the event the previous year through financial support and a reserved table. Board member participation was requested for August 22 and August 24. Discussion also occurred regarding staff and volunteer responsibilities and the possibility of presenting a proclamation. Chair Shaw requested that Councilwoman Gantt submit a proclamation request to the City Clerk's Office. Chair Shaw moved to approve $2,500.00 in sponsorship funding from Select Stockbridge for the Chris Tucker Golf Tournament and Comedy Show. The motion was seconded by Monica Jones and approved unanimously. LPGA Golf Invitational Event The Board discussed a request for $2,000.00 in sponsorship funding and marketing support for an LPGA golf invitational event. Discussion included international tourism and business opportunities, available promotional support, and the potential return on investment. Councilwoman Gantt proposed consideration of a communications and marketing subcommittee working in partnership with the City's Public Information Office and with potential direction from the Economic Development Director. Jai Tazel moved to provide marketing and promotional assistance for the LPGA event in partnership with the City, including billboard and social media assistance. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Gantt and approved unanimously. Discussion also occurred regarding SB 430 and its effect on CVB panels. Hispanic Business Expo The Board discussed the Hispanic Business Expo, which entered into an eight-hour lease agreement to host an event and requested sponsorship from Select Stockbridge. The requested sponsorship amount was $875.00, to be shared with the Downtown Development Authority, with any additional fees to be disclosed. Chair Shaw moved to approve the $875.00 sponsorship. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Gantt and approved unanimously. Small Business Loan Applications and Review The Board discussed the Small Business Loan Program, including application requirements, evaluation criteria, available funding, and potential policy revisions. Discussion included establishing a requirement that applicants have operated for at least two years, developing clearer criteria for evaluating applicants, prioritizing qualifying businesses, and developing incentives that support economic activity in Stockbridge. Economic Development Director William Smith recommended amending and codifying the policy to reduce confusion and establish clearer standards. Smith will develop potential policy recommendations for further consideration. The matter was tabled for further discussion. GEDA Annual Conference The Board discussed attendance at the upcoming Georgia Economic Developers Association Annual Conference in Savannah. Chair Shaw moved to request attendance at the Annual GEDA Conference. The motion was seconded by Jai Tazel and unanimously approved by four members present. Councilwoman Gantt was not present for the vote. Board Training Board members were reminded to complete required training. Discussion occurred regarding a CDA retreat and potential retreat topics. The Board confirmed the upcoming training retreat scheduled for August 27, 2026. Proposed FY2027 Budget Economic Development Director William Smith presented the proposed FY2027 Citywide Development Authority budget previously submitted to the City. The Board discussed consultant and professional services funding, real estate accounts and interest earnings, Board education and training funds, the revolving loan fund, potential projects, and development incentives and bonds. Director Smith provided an explanation of the proposed $500,000.00 revolving loan fund. Discussion occurred regarding increasing the Authority's FY2027 funding request rather than amending the budget as individual projects arise. Jacqueline Humphries moved to advance a proposed $580,000.00 FY2027 budget, initially allocating $250,000.00 for the revolving loan fund, $250,000.00 for acquisition, and $80,000.00 for operations. The motion was seconded by Monica Jones. Humphries amended the motion to allocate $500,000.00 to the revolving loan fund and $80,000.00 for operations. The amended motion was seconded by Jai Tazel. The motion passed unanimously. The proposed budget will move forward for presentation to City Council by William Smith. Economic Incentives Policy Economic Development Director William Smith discussed a proposed Economic Incentives Policy concerning lease-purchase bonds and tax abatements. Discussion included property tax incentives, Tax Allocation Districts, and coordination with Henry County, the City of Stockbridge, and the Henry County Board of Education. Board Attorney Elle Whigham will review and make revisions to the proposed incentives program before it is returned to the Board for consideration. No action was taken. Smith also presented a request to serve as Executive Director of the Citywide Development Authority. Action Was Tabled For Later. Finance and Treasurer Update The Treasurer was not present. No Treasurer or finance update was provided. Stockbridge 2nd Annual Kickback Celebration The Board discussed sponsorship of the City of Stockbridge's 2nd Annual Kickback Celebration. Chair Shaw made a motion to approve $5,000.00 in sponsorship funding. The motion was seconded by Jai Tazel. Discussion followed regarding the sponsorship and ongoing negotiations for a table at the event. The motion was approved unanimously. Adjournment Chair Shaw moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:27 p.m. The motion was seconded by Jacqueline Humphries and approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned.