Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2023 07 31

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes June 16, 2023 Page 3of5 Work Plan and gave an overview of the new priorities for 2023 and possible actions. The six priorities are included below: 1. Conduct process improvement initiative for business -related services to improve efficiency and customer service. 2. Host semi-annual Business Forum to gather all stakeholders, review City priorities, and gather feedback. 3. Identify market gaps through analysis and by monitoring retail leakage to adjacent communities. 4. Conduct regular business retention visits to understand issues and address concerns. 5. Conduct Business Satisfaction Survey every other year to monitor changes and new ideas in the business community. 6. Identifying barriers to renewable energy participation and facilitate implementation of solutions. Councilmember Most asked whether the first initiative includes the City permitting process. Manager Kroner confirmed that it does. Director Zuccaro commented that the third initiative is included within the Comprehensive Plan. Councilmember Most asked whether the analysis will attempt to identify which types of retail are needed in the City. Director Zuccaro responded that it's difficult for the City to control the types of retail that operate in Louisville. He continued that the community input will be at a higher level. Manager Kroner concluded that this item will likely be carried over to the 2024 EVC Work Plan. The Committee asked who will be performing the analysis. Director Zuccaro responded that Economic & Planning Systems is the Comp Plan sub consultant that will be performing the study. Councilmember Most asked whether staff will be working with Sustainability for the sixth initiative. Manager Kroner confirmed that Economic Vitality and Sustainability will be working together on this initiative. Councilmember Most mentioned that she was surprised how many renewable energy programs are available to both commercial and residential properties. Chair Leh added that EDI initiatives could also be added. Manager Kroner confirmed that staff will make revisions to the EVC Work Plan and include progress in future updates. Public comment from Rick Kron: Regarding the sixth initiative, Mr. Kron commented that the current energy code has a bias against off -site energy and that community solar might be a better option. The Committee agreed and City Manager Durbin added that there will likely be some changes at the State regarding this requirement. 8. Discussion/Direction- 2022 Business Satisfaction Survey Outcomes: Chair Leh gave an overview of the 2022 Business Satisfaction Survey and outlined the previous discussion around the results. He noted that there was also some concern that the EVC did not spend enough time discussing the Agenda Packet P. 5