Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2025 10 09

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City Council Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes September 25, 2025 Page3of6 code amendments also makes housing more expensive and noted that very few of his employees can afford to live in Louisville. Mayor Leh asked Councilmember Kern whether DRCOG has had discussions about the code update. Councilmember Kern responded that the group has not specifically discussed it but noted that there have been individual conversations among members of the group that are in favor of moving towards the 2024 code. She cited that there are some cost factors that have been identified by municipalities as they are beginning to explore the codes. Mayor Leh wondered how some of the changes that are happening federally with taxes and incentives might impact the code. He asked if there are any federal incentives that businesses can take advantage of that may no longer be available. He wondered whether staff might be able to provide some of this information to Council. Director Zuccaro responded that it's a broad topic and that staff would need to explore how incentives that are generally non -mandated relate to the building code. Mayor Leh offered that the IECC might have some information and added that incentives may not be as big a consideration as he originally thought they were. Director Zuccaro responded that it's not the City's intention to adopt a code that would have a business doing something so outside of the norm that they would be relying on incentives to meet the code requirements. Manager Zarate added that businesses don't always engage with staff or programs to fill gaps, citing difficult requirements or small benefits. Mayor Leh wondered how many businesses are engaged with Xcel and will be impacted by their program changes. Manager Zarate confirmed that staff talks to Xcel about programming, grid capacity, and other things. She added that Economic Vitality staff can generally help walk businesses through local to federal options for business incentives. Councilmember Kern commented that she appreciates that there are incentives rather than mandates and emphasized increased encouragement for businesses. She concluded that if the City is flexible and nimble, we can allow the business community to be flexible as well. Mayor Leh attempted to wrap up the discussion. He stated that there probably doesn't need to be a motion but noted that the Committee can provide input to Council when the time comes. Councilmember Kern asked whether Manager Zarate had anything else that she could share from the conversation with the Chamber Advocacy Committee. Manager Zarate responded that the Chamber requested that residential sprinklers are considered from affordable housing perspective, in both cost and impact, and that they were supportive of moving away from the all -electric requirements.