Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2023 10 27

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes September 15, 2023 Page 4 of 7 Improvement Program. He continued that this program may want to consider including funding for businesses that are forced to close or relocate while they are making improvements to their property. He closed his comments with a recommendation that making increased financial assistance available to new and existing businesses may help fill some of the vacancies within the downtown. Public Comment from Mike Kranzdorf: Mr. Kranzdorf stated that he attended to Energy Code Open House and that it was run really well. He praised Director Zuccaro and Chief Building Official Chad Root for leading the event. He also agreed with Chair Leh that the process has been great, but noted that the changes introduced by Planning Commission are quite significant. Mayor Pro Tern Fahey added that downtown does not face some of the same challenges as other parts of the City that have large parking lots with exterior lighting. She noted that this should be considered when discussing the dark sky lighting ordinance. Chair Leh thanked staff for their efforts on the commercial energy code and for including LRC updates to the EVC. With that, Chair Leh closed staff updates. 7. Discussion/Direction — Business Forum Update: Interim Manager Brown summarized the previous discussions around the Business Forum and confirmed that staff is working on a survey that will be sent out to the business community this month. This survey will gather preferences from local businesses around the timing, frequency, location, and format of the business forum. Interim Manager Brown also added that he had spoken with Executive Director of the Louisville Chamber Eric Lund around the idea of a quarterly business forum that was discussed during the August meeting. Manager Brown proposed that a quarterly forum could rotate through a couple of different locations in Louisville, with two City Councilmembers attending each forum. However, Manager Brown noted, but it's important to collect the business feedback before planning any future forums. Once staff receives feedback from the business community, they can align the business forum to match those preferences. Chair Leh requested that the survey be sent out prior to the next meeting so that it can be discussed in October. Manager Brown confirmed that the survey will be completed and sent out within the next week, and that he will ask the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Association to help send out the survey. 8. Discussion/Direction — EVC Work Plan: Chair Leh introduced the EVC Work Plan and asked Manager Brown to give an overview of the item. Manager Brown summarized the seven initiatives that the Agenda Packet P. 5