Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2023 10 27

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes September 15, 2023 Page 3 of 7 retrofitting existing buildings was found to be prohibitive, but not necessarily impossible. Manager Brown confirmed that City Council entered into a contract with MIG for consulting services to complete the Downtown Vision Plan for Streetscapes and Public Spaces. Funding for the plan will come from reallocating funds that are currently included in the LRC's 2023 budget. This will require a budget amendment which will also need to be approved by Council. Brown added that a Project Kickoff for the Downtown Vision Plan is scheduled for September 26. Manager Brown concluded his comments with several updates on the LRC. The LRC will be reviewing both an amendment to its 2023 Budget and a proposed 2024 Budget. Both of these items will need to go to City Council for review prior to LRC adoption. Manager Brown stated that staff is in the early stages of preparing program criteria for a new Property Improvement Program, which would be funded by the LRC. The proposed program would provide financial assistance for extensive improvements to properties within the Urban Renewal Area (URA). Director Zuccaro added that this program could also be seen as a tool for business attraction and retention within the URA. Chair Leh commented briefly on dark sky lighting. He stated that he was pleased with feedback from the business community regarding the outreach and engagement process and thanked staff for their work. He wondered whether there have been many comments from businesses submitted on the proposed ordinance. Director Zuccaro stated that he has not yet reviewed the most recent comments submitted. Manager Brown added that he has heard from several members of the business community that they are planning to submit comments. Public Comment from Eric Lund, Executive Director of the Louisville Chamber of Commerce: Mr. Lund confirmed that he did submit comments on behalf of the Chamber regarding the dark sky lighting ordinance. The Chamber recommended that 75% should the threshold for triggering compliance. Mr. Lund continued, stating that Louisville's current energy code requirements are more stringent than anyone in the area other than the City of Boulder. He added that the Chamber has received input from its members regarding difficulties in meeting the code and that the Chamber can share that information with the City. Public Comment from Eric Reed: Mr. Reed commented on the dark sky lighting ordinance, stating that he was appreciative of the change regarding residential compliance. Mr. Reed added that he had participated in the LRC's Fagade Improvement Program and was supportive of an upgraded Property Agenda Packet P. 4