Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2025 08 14

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City Council Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes July 24, 2025 Page 2of5 Zarate responded that, under the proposed criteria, any event that is not primarily in Louisville would not be eligible for City support or sponsorship. Councilmember Fahey also asked about neighborhood block parties and whether those events would be eligible for support under this policy. Manager Zarate responded that those types of events are often not open to the public. City Manager Langley added that the Louisville now has a block party trailer that will be available for reservations. She concluded that there may be a nominal fee required. Councilmember Fahey clarified that these events would not be eligible for getting that fee waived under the proposed policy. City Manager Langley confirmed that the proposed policy would not include those types of events. Councilmember Kern asked whether events hosted by the City would follow this policy. Manager Zarate responded that City events would go through the normal budget process. Councilmember Kern asked the reason drafting the policy. Manager Zarate responded that while legacy events such as Street Faire and Taste of Louisville have standalone contracts, there is currently no policy in place to engage with or assist other events. Mayor Leh asked for clarification regarding the liquor exclusion. Manager Zarate clarified that the proposed policy prevents the purchase of liquor with funds provided by the City. Mayor Leh asked if that includes marijuana or psychedelics. Manager Zarate responded no, but that staff could add that into the policy. Mayor Leh asked whether an applicant is forced to choose one of the three options or whether they could choose multiple forms of assistance. Manager Zarate responded that applicants may select any or all of the three options. Mayor Leh asked whether the applicant can apply for assistance prior to obtaining their permit. Manager Zarate confirmed that the application can be submitted prior to permit approval, but noted that no assistance will be provided until all required permits are obtained. Mayor Leh asked when the proposed policy might go into effect. Manager Zarate responded that she anticipated that the policy would be effective next year when the budget goes into effect. Hearing that, Mayor Leh recommended that the application window open prior to January 1. Manager Zarate confirmed that date is part of the feedback that she hopes to gather today. Councilmember Kern asked who defines community benefit and asked if that item could be more clear. She also questioned whether there should be any financial assistance offered, noting that advertising and street closures may be adequate assistance. She noted that there may be equity concerns around financial assistance, and wondered if those events receiving money would require a separate contract (such as Pints in the Park).