Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2021 07 16

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes May 27, 2021 Page 3of4 David Sinkey, business owner, recognized Director Pierce for her work with some of his tenants but that his tenants saw a high cost of permitting as a debilitating factor for growth and asked if there could be a way to speak to that and have it more transparent. He also commented that he wanted to see better business representation and was disappointed to see it go away with the Business Retention & Development Committee. Chair Dickinson followed up that some of that could be covered in the planning of the strategic plan. VII. Discussion- Economic Vitality Strategic Plan: Director Pierce discussed the changes made after EVC's April review. She also reminded the Committee that the Scorecard Report will begin to be shared with City Council on a quarterly basis and that the presentation in July will include a narrative breakdown of the scorecard. She then proceeded to walk the Commission through the Scorecard and some of the items that have been completed or are immediately forthcoming to be worked on. She specifically noted that Q3 of 2021 is targeted for the business exit survey for businesses leaving Louisville. Director Pierce also stated that the goal item about studying market gaps and retail linkage will be coming in Q4 of this year and then concluded by discussing some of the goals that had changed in the matrix. Councilmember Leh commented that he has heard from businesses that it is important to mindful of our communication efforts and that the EVC should take care to gather business input since they will not be made members of the EVC. Mayor Pro Tern said that he was glad to hear the comments made during the public comment since it is important to have transparency in all the things we discuss as it affects businesses and their costs of doing business. Chair Dickinson agreed and noted the inclusionary zoning and underpass projects and also mentioned one view is that there is ample time for public comment during the other meetings like City Council or Planning Commission. He continued, stating that it is still good to give people another opportunity to listen to the business community and their concerns about certain upcoming Council items and asked Director Pierce if that was appropriate. Director Pierce stated that there is the public comment period at the beginning of EVC meetings and that it is important to have comments tied to items in the packet for the meeting. Chair Dickinson and Director Pierce discussed what options could look like. Rick Kron, President of the Downtown Business Association, mentioned that he agreed with Chair Dickinson. He also asked about time of doing business and that it takes a long time. Councilmember Leh stated it is important to keep in mind the audience of this committee and keeping them abreast of what does go to EVC meetings and what is going on in general. Chair Dickinson stated that it is important to keep in mind the work of the Strategic Plan and how that is also shown on the Scorecard presented to City Council. Agenda Packet P. 5