Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2022 04 22

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes March 25, 2022 Page 2 of 4 intended to capture foundational information and that issue/trend questions would change over time. Councilmember Fahey questioned if there is an area to capture COVID and Marshall Fire impacts to the business. Councilmember Dickinson responded that there have been previous surveys intended for COVID and Marshall Fire impacts and wondered if these topics should be included on this particular survey. Director Pierce clarified that this survey is intended to capture information that is not available through other sources, such as company plans for remote workforce. Councilmember Most asked whether it would be worth incentivizing responses in certain areas to provide a complete picture of the business community. Director Pierce confirmed that staff is aware that certain businesses that subscribe to the newsletter or are members of the Louisville Chamber or Downtown Business Association, may be receiving and responding to this information disproportionately to other businesses. Councilmember Dickinson agreed that each response would not necessarily reflect an equal portion of the business community and that it's important to determine what the information that is being gathered will be used for. He asked whether the correct questions are being asked in order to inform Council and inform policy changes. Councilmember Fahey commented that engaging on a personal level with local staff will generally lead to increased response rates. Public comment from Rick Kron: Mr. Kron commented that the survey is a great idea but that larger national retailers do not respond to these surveys. He agreed that making a connection with the local store manager is important for ensuring responses. Mr. Kron continued that the survey needs to identify advantages that might be present in competing locations but not in Louisville. He also commented on the importance of protection of confidential commercial information. Mr. Kron closed his comments by suggesting that the City include information on what it has accomplished in response to previous surveys such as the quiet rail corridor. Councilmember Most agreed that it may be beneficial to showcase City action that has been taken in response to previous surveys. She also agreed that the survey may not be the best tool for a big box employer and that a one-on-one interviews may be more beneficial. Councilmember Dickinson questioned the wording and meaning of some of the COVID questions. Director Pierce confirmed that she will revise the language. Councilmember Most wondered whether there was an option to differentiate or tailor questions between businesses that were shut down during COVID versus Agenda Packet P. 4