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Business Retention and Development Committee <br />Meeting Minutes <br />September 14, 2020 <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />pandemic for 2020 and 2021. Detail of the budget is available in the meeting <br />packet. <br />3. Discussion- Louisville's Recovery & Improvement Program Update: Director <br />Pierce updated the Committee on the recently launched program and advised that <br />applications are already being received and approved. Businesses are taking <br />advantage of the opportunity and there is still much of the funding available to help <br />other businesses. <br />4. Discussion/Direction- 2020/2021 Committee Work Plan: Mr. Oberholzer asked <br />each member of the Committee to speak about focus and potential BRaD goals. <br />Mr. Bolt suggested using data from retention visits to inform marketing efforts in <br />attracting new businesses. He thought the City should have a dedicated program <br />for working with developers to secure long-term businesses. Director Pierce said <br />she was evaluating assistance for graphic design and marketing based on some of <br />the desired goals of the Economic Vitality Strategic Plan. <br />Ms. O'Neill expressed that continued retention visits are an important function and <br />agreed with the thoughts on marketing. <br />Mr. Erickson noted that much has changed with the pandemic and so it is unclear <br />how that may impact future focus, such as whether parking is still a relevant issue <br />in downtown. He suggested monitoring the environment as well as trying to take <br />advantage of innovations that result. <br />The Committee briefly discussed the current Main Street closure for the Outdoor <br />Dining program. There was general support for an extension of the closure and <br />consideration of a permanent closure, recognizing that there would be challenges <br />to overcome. <br />Mr. Oberholzer shared information about the existing Business Improvement <br />District (BID) in downtown. Members of the Committee expressed that it could be a <br />more active, funded organization to truly benefit the area. Mr. Kranzdorf, <br />commenting as a member of the public and property owner in downtown, <br />expressed support. <br />VII. COMMITTEE UPDATES: None. <br />Vill. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE MEMBERS: None. <br />IX. ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING: The next regular BRaD meeting will be Monday, <br />October 5, 2020 @ 8 AM. Items discussed for the next agenda include Work Plan, <br />Retention Visits, and the Main Street Closure. <br />Agenda Packet P. 3 <br />