Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2022 09 16

Home Browse Search

Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes August 19, 2022 Page 2 of 5 topics. Specialist Brown responded this has not yet taken place but could be considered for the next Forum. Both Councilmember Fahey and Chair Dickinson agreed that hosting the forum in an area other than the CTC would be beneficial. Chair Dickinson asked whether the EVC would like to have a booth. Commissioner Most agreed that she would like for the EVC to have more public engagement than at the previous Forum. Councilmember Fahey questioned what the public might like to see. Public Comment from Mark Oberholzer: Mr. Oberholzer commented that previous versions of the Forum that were put on by the Business Retention and Development Committee included local vendors, City Council, and a cocktail party atmosphere that led to a more relaxed environment. Past events included a brief "state of the City" address by EV staff, and then a Q & A segment, with EV staff serving as moderator and directing questions to the appropriate party. Mr. Oberholzer concluded that a short speech about the state of the city with discussions and interaction for the rest of the event would be an appropriate model to follow. City Manager Davis added that past forums included booths for staff located throughout the facility. Chair Dickinson agreed that past forums were seen as successful and wondered whether EV staff could take a larger role in the forum. Councilmember Most added that there could be a panel with a moderator. Chair Dickinson agreed that the Mayor, City Manager, Planning Director, and EV staff would all be appropriate members of a panel. Councilmember Fahey added that the Sustainability Coordinator would be a good addition to the panel if the energy code is expected to be a topic of discussion. She also questioned whether the Chamber and DBA could be represented. Public Comment from Mark Cathcart: Mr Cathcart asked about prioritizing business interests during times of economic uncertainty. Mr. Cathcart also wondered where Economic Vitality should be spending money, and what are the current Economic Vitality priorities. Councilmember Dickinson responded that City Council currently does not have a great vision of Economic Vitality goals. He continued that the budget may not be as big of a concern to the business community, and therefore not a topic for discussion at the Forum. Councilmember Most responded that setting priorities in a time of economic uncertainty could be a topic for discussion at the forum. Councilmember Most continued that given how chaotic the last two years have been for the business community, the speaker could explore options for moving forward. Councilmember Fahey wondered whether a discussion about the insurance industry and its impacts on businesses would be appropriate. Agenda Packet P. 3