Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />SUBJECT: ECONOMIC VITALITY STRATEGIC PLAN, NEXT STEPS <br /> <br />DATE: MAY 6, 2020 PAGE 3 OF 3 <br /> be an ongoing resource to help businesses learn from each other and industry <br />experts. <br />• Façade improvement—a program like this may be a way for the City to provide <br />funding, but in a matching format, for businesses that wish to undertake exterior <br />improvements to their building. The City would decide what types of <br />improvements are eligible, such as awnings, signage, etc. This might assist <br />businesses in keeping spaces maintained and appealing to the public when they <br />might not have the financial capacity to do so on their own. Signage especially <br />may be a significant need as businesses comply with public health orders and <br />communicate new ways of operating to customers. <br />• Other building projects—some business types may need to undergo <br />transformations that are more physical in nature. For example, if you were a food <br />establishment that previously did not offer take-out or curbside pick-up, you may <br />have been unprepared or unable to comply with the public health orders. Grant <br />or partial funding opportunities could be focused specifically to facilitate building <br />or physical improvements, like creating a window for take-out or purchasing <br />kitchen equipment to facilitate more eat-away options. <br />• Business Assistance Program (BAP)—staff foresees that we are likely to not <br />receive as many BAP requests in the near future. The current program criteria is <br />only for new businesses moving to Louisville or those in Louisville that are <br />significantly expanding their presence. The City may wish to evaluate temporary <br />changes to this program that would orient monies toward existing businesses <br />and their recovery plans. We would need to evaluate such a program with the <br />City Council and also analyze eligibility and funding. <br /> <br />Staff will be prepared to continue facilitating the Strategic Plan discussion next week, as <br />well as to gather input on short-term recovery programming and actions. <br /> <br />RECOMMENDATION: <br />Direct staff as to what materials should be prepared for the May 26 City Council meeting. <br />Provide input or direction on the next phases of the strategic planning process. <br /> <br />ATTACHMENTS: <br />• Attachment #1: Planning Process Visual <br />