Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2022 09 16

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes August 19, 2022 Page 3of5 Director Zuccaro commented that we may want to focus on where the City has invested, such as landscape improvements, outdoor dining, and other areas where the City has made investments for the business community. He added that the Forum may also be a good opportunity to get feedback from business on which areas they would like to see the City invest in. Councilmember agreed that it may make sense to highlight what the City has done with its resources and also asking where businesses would like to see additional investment. Public Comment from Mark Oberholzer: Mr. Oberholzer responded that feedback from businesses may not be directed towards new investment aimed at helping them, but at policy changes to reduce the City's perceived hindrance to the business community. Chair Dickinson asked Specialist Brown what was needed to turn this conversation into a Forum. Specialist Brown responded that he would like to receive clear direction regarding a topic, speaker, and ideas regarding a potential panel, in addition to the previously discussed location and date/timing. Chair Dickinson reiterated that a theme would be helpful in attracting attendees and would help in identifying the speaker, panel, and booths. He continued that potential themes could include inflation or doing less with more. He asked for additional feedback on a potential topic. Councilmember Fahey commented that she would like to have a local perspective on both national and worldwide issues. She continued that Congressman Neguse might be an option for a speaker. Public comment from Mark Oberholzer: Mr. Oberholzer commented that while he would be interested in having Congressman Neguse speak and hearing about big picture issues, he wondered if that would change the focus of the event and take the spotlight off of the City -business relationship. Dickinson responded that there could be an educational and informative speaker regarding the larger topics, and a panel that can speak to how these issues impacts businesses locally. He also wondered whether no speaker would provide a better opportunity to explore the relationship between the City and the business community. Councilmember Most agreed that a speaker on a broad topic and a panel to provide more focused feedback would be valuable. Public Comment from Mark Oberholzer: Mr. Oberholzer stated that discussion with City Council would be the most valuable for the business community, but agreed that you need a speaker with appeal to attract members of the business community. Councilmember Dickinson was interested in exploring a theme around "doing more with less". He continued that this theme could include a 10 minute Agenda Packet P. 4