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Changes to RIEDC Board, Leadership Signed into Law
Gov. Donald Carcieri signed legislation last week expanding the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (EDC) board and allowing the state to offer the incoming EDC director a three-year contract that extends past the governor’s term, which ends next January. The changes are expected to boost the agency’s effectiveness and attract better candidates for the state’s top economic development position.
Under the new law, the governor will serve as chairperson of the board and will appoint four additional board members for a total of 12. The measure also includes new requirements that the “membership of the board shall reflect the geographic diversity of the state,” and include one member that represents higher education.
Legislation to overhaul the agency was introduced earlier this year by Senate President M. Teresa Paiva- Weed following a report criticizing the agency’s effectiveness and calling for fresh leadership, according to The Providence Journal. Initial plans called for the creation of an oversight committee to monitor EDC’s work. That provision was not included in the final bill.
S 0945 is available at: http://www.rilin.state.ri.us//BillText09/SenateText09/S0945A.pdf