Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2025 04 10

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes March 6, 2025 Page 2 of 4 attendance seemed interested in being involved in further engaging and activating the South Boulder Road area. Mayor Leh asked what some of the upcoming topics will be. Manager Zarate responded that while the meetings last year were typically based around either industry or geography, staff has been exploring additional topics for future meetings. Specialist Brown added that the March meeting will be open to all businesses and is intended to serve as a relaunch of the Business Beat. Manager Zarate also suggested that incentives and programming, the comprehensive plan and zoning code updates could all be potential topics. Mayor Leh asked where the March meeting would be held. Specialist Brown responded that the March meeting will be at the Louisville Recreation and Senior Center. Mayor Leh agreed that the Rec Center probably makes sense for a meeting of this scale, but expressed his interest in hosting future meetings at local businesses. Councilmember Fahey suggested that Relish could potentially host a meeting once they are open and running. Staff agreed and confirmed that they will reach out to Relish about hosting. Councilmember Fahey suggested Relish could host a meeting for the McCaslin Corridor. Mayor Leh also recommended Ironton as a potential host site. Mayor Leh asked whether it would be helpful for the EVC to reach out to businesses about attending the Business Beat. Manager Zarate responded that it would be helpful and encouraged the EVC to reach out to anyone that they would like. Councilmember Kern asked if staff utilizes Chamber resources to advertise the Business Beat. Staff confirmed that they use the Chamber and the City's marketing resources to help get the word out. Mayor Leh wondered how staff can get more property owners to attend, particularly those that own property in Louisville but do not live in Louisville. Manager Zarate responded that some property owners may be disinterested in an event like this, but that staff will often meet them and talk with them at other events, such as ICSC in Las Vegas. Mayor Leh suggested that the April meeting focus on brokers and property owners. Manager Zarate confirmed that staff will start working on that. 7. Incentive and Programming Discussion: Manager Zarate gave an overview on several potential updates to Louisville's Business Assistance Program (BAP) that had previously been reviewed by the EVC to see if there was any interest in moving them forward. Amend the Existing BAP for Small Retail and Restaurants Councilmember Fahey asked how the program would be impacted if the business closes prior to completing the 5-year life of the incentive. Manager