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The organization tasked with driving Edmonton’s economic development needs to better clarify its mandate and use of $20 million in public dollars, a recent audit of the corporation found.

City auditor David Wiun said the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation needs to stand alone in its role and become more distinct from other similar organizations in driving the local economy forward. Wiun presented seven recommendations to council’s audit committee Friday morning to help improve EEDC’s effectiveness.

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What shape a restructured EEDC will look like is still largely up in the air, but corporation CEO Derek Hudson said it is essential for taxpayers to know their contribution is being put to good use.

“EEDC needs to focus on local Edmonton companies and their growth and health, starting companies, attracting tourists to come spend money in Edmonton and running the two magnificent venues that we have. That’s what we do now and we expect to continue to do that,” Hudson said. “I think we’re going to see an increased focus on council’s role as a funder to make sure they get good value for the money they put in and that’s really our biggest responsibility.”