Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2021 12 17

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SUBJECT: ECONOMIC VITALITY STRATEGIC PLAN & 2022 INITIATIVES DATE: DECEMBER 17, 2021 PAGE 4 OF 5 Action #5-4, Q4 2021: Create partnership with local retailers to reduce the use of non -recyclable, non-compostable, and non -usable containers. Economic Vitality staff has started coordination with Sustainability staff and new Tasks have been added to reflect the work that needs to be accomplished. Staff suggests revising the Target Start to Q2 2022 as funding will be required to launch the pilot program. Staff feels the program could be funded by the new Single Use Bag Tax that will be effective January 1, 2022, with the first remittance of funds coming to the city in April 2022. Action #5-5, Q1 2022: Support and promote installation of EV charging stations at commercial and industrial sites to promote shift to electric vehicles in the region. Staff suggests delaying this item until Q4 2022. With the recent adoption of the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, there are likely interim engagement steps and coordination with Sustainability and Planning that need to occur before staff can determine how to support and promote the initiative. • Action #5-6, Q4 2022: Develop dedicated resources for sustainability programming outside of existing Green Business Program, such as micro grants or expansion of PACE services in Louisville. Though one task here is in progress, staff suggests that this item should be delayed until Q2 2023 to allow focus on implementation of other sustainability initiatives in 2022. • Action #5-7, Q2 2022: Fund infrastructure that supports walking and biking around commercial districts to reduce the need for parking and improve the environment. The LRC has budgeted 2022 funds to study bike connectivity needs and implement bike amenities in the Hwy 42 Urban Renewal Area. At the November 18 EVC meeting, Councilmember Fahey requested to discuss business communications in the context how the City shares information or engages with businesses about Council policy items. Staff considers business communications a component of business retention and expansion (BR & E) programming. Outside of individual business engagement, the most utilized vehicles for business communications are e-blasts and a monthly e-newsletter (Louisville Biz). Both of these formats were developed and launched in 2020, so the tools are still new and staff continues to work on growing the reach of our business list. The e-blasts are generally on a specific and timely topic, such as public health orders, grant opportunities, or special events. The Louisville Biz e-newsletter (see Attachment #2) has a standard format and topic areas; in 2021 staff added a section to help inform businesses about pending items for Council consideration as well as developments in the zoning process. Many times, without a specific call to action or an understanding of how pending proposals may impact them, it will be difficult for businesses to prioritize time for meetings outside or in conflict with business hours. Agenda Packet P. 10