Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2022 11 18

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes October 21, 2022 Page 4 of 5 EVC requested that staff return with additional information regarding available incentives that are currently available to different types and sizes of businesses. Director Zuccaro asked whether any proposed incentives are intended to align with the new commercial building code. He continued that certain incentives may promote efficient equipment, but may not meet the new building code. He concluded that there could be additional incentives available for businesses that meet the new building code but that none of the existing incentives available would align perfectly with the new commercial energy code. Councilmember Dickinson agreed that there are two different approaches. The first approach is incentivizing businesses to get to the required code. The second is to incentivize existing businesses to take action and improve their efficiency. He agreed that the timing of the energy code ordinance may make it difficult to put an incentive program in place. Public comment from Mark Cathcart: Mr. Cathcart added that exploring new incentives may also help promote mixed -use development. Specialist Brown confirmed that the incentive discussion will return to EVC for discussion during its November meeting. 8. Discussion- 2022 Business Forum: Specialist Brown gave an update on the Business Forum planned for Thursday October 27 at Ascent Church. Councilmember Most suggested that there be a map for attendees to indicate their location and provide general comments. She continued that there could be a couple of general questions with sticky notes for businesses to provide their responses on the map. Public comment from Chris Leh: Councilmember Leh encouraged City Council to listen during the networking and happy hour portions of the evening. Public comment from Mark Oberholzer: Mr. Oberholzer agreed that engaging with City Council is one of the most important aspects of the event. Councilmember Dickinson wondered whether the event would still fit in the smaller room with the RSVP list at 78. He encouraged staff to prioritize keeping the speaking portion of the event in the smaller room. Specialist Brown confirmed that registration for the event will close, but that unregistered attendees would not be turned away at the door. EVC debated how to best receive questions from the audience. They decided that there would be an opportunity for attendees to submit questions prior to the panel, but Councilmember Fahey will also take questions live from the audience for the panel. Agenda Packet P. 6