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4 <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati about the status of Albemarle <br />County's participation in th e Partnership, Mr. Cockman said that is a high priority, but no <br />discussions are underway at this time, though he hopes that will happen in the near <br />future. <br /> <br /> Mr. De Mauri said he hopes that having an expanded program and an emphasis on <br />growth from within w ill be compelling arguments for Albemarle County to join the <br />Partnership. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch said he is skeptical about the degree to which public bodies should be <br />subsidizing economic development, and noting that in a citizen survey conducted by the <br />City, citize ns put that last. Mr. Lynch said he thinks citizens sometimes feel that things <br />are done to neighborhoods in the name of economic development or those efforts do not <br />touch people directly. Mr. Lynch said he is glad to hear the new emphasis as he thinks <br />th at is what matters to citizens. Mr. Lynch asked what the Partnership says when people <br />question whether the City should be involved. <br /> <br /> Mr. De Mauri said the Partnership builds alliances between the public and private <br />sectors, and creates an environment whe re businesses can succeed. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said he feels that businesses move to Charlottesville because they are <br />impressed by the quality of life here. He underscored the importance of work force <br />development. <br /> <br /> Mr. Schilling agreed with the need for work force development, and said <br />businesses are frustrated at trying to find qualified workers. Mr. Schilling said he would <br />like to look at expanding CATEC, and noted that there is no public transportation to <br />CATEC. He said he would like to have the Partnership he lp coordinate this effort, and <br />suggested looking at Richmond's technical education center. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Ms. Richards, Mr. De Mauri said other <br />jurisdictions involved in the partnership are Orange, Culpeper, Goochland, Fluvanna, and <br />Madiso n, though Madison is inactive. <br /> <br />REPORT <br />: HOUSING POLICY TASK FORCE <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said that Council's previous comments have been incorporated into the <br />new draft regarding the Housing Policy Task Force. <br /> <br /> Mr. O'Connell noted that the proposed membership has i ncreased and the charge <br />has been expanded. A facilitator is proposed to be used, and hired through an RFP <br />process. Mr. O'Connell said Council is being asked to approve the concept, charge, and <br />start the appointment process. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said that the compos ition of the Task Force has swollen considerably, <br />and he said it will be a challenge to hear all voices. Mr. Cox said his assumption is that <br />the private sector is going to take on this effort, and he feels it is important that they be at <br />the table, but sa id he does not think it is necessary for everyone affected to be included. <br />Mr. Cox said that public hearings will be held which advocacy groups can participate in. <br />He cautioned Council against inflating the membership further. Mr. Cox said he thinks <br />Cou ncil needs to appoint the Task Force quickly. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards agreed with Mr. Cox's suggestion that the Task Force not be <br />increased, but she expressed concern that there is no representative from Friends of <br />Equitable and Affordable Housing. She said she th inks there is value in having a liaison <br />with the rest of the group. Mr. Richards questioned the need for a State elected official, <br />and suggested substituting a FEAH representative. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said the expectation is that the Task Force will propose new leg islation, <br />and feels it would be best if a State official is on the Task Force to help create such <br />legislation. <br /> <br />