Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2024 03 15

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes March 1, 2024 Page 2 of 4 Chair Dickinson asked whether it would be possible to combine meetings by both industry type and location. For example, host 7 meetings by business type and 3 meetings based on location. Manager Zarate responded that this could be possible but would like to include brokers on the attendee list for meetings that are based on location. Chair Dickinson reiterated that he does like the idea of the industry approach and holding meetings once a month. Councilmember Fahey agreed that she likes the industry approach but would also like to explore meetings for certain locations. She wondered whether the invite list or criteria could be changed up for each meeting based on what's happening (relevant topics, projects, etc.). Councilmember Bierman commented that industry meetings may result in a small group and added that a mix of industries may help with discussion and networking. He commented that he is in support of a hybrid approach as well. Chair Dickinson asked whether the proposed outreach meetings would be in addition to the Business Forum that the City has historically hosted. Manager Zarate responded that it may make sense to hold off on the Business Forum in 2024, with the reasoning that the local interaction offered to businesses may be more beneficial and may address some of the concerns around previous Business Forums. If the City wishes to bring the Forums back in 2025, they should have good feedback from the business community as to what would be helpful. Councilmember Bierman asked what Manager Zarate hopes to get out of these meetings. She responded that increasing business community awareness of Economic Vitality staff is a priority. Relationship -building would also lead to better feedback and information from the City to the business community and vice versa. Councilmember Bierman agreed that he would like to make sure that there is enough time built into these meetings for feedback from the business community. Chair Dickinson agreed that relationship -building should be an important part of these meetings and added that going out to different locations can help build these relationships. He noted that attendance may be a concern if the scope of the meetings is a little too small, leading to only a handful of attendees. He also noted that he wants to make sure that attendees are able to be a part of the conversation, which could be difficult if the turnout is too big. He noted that 10- 15 attendees may be the right number to aim for. He wondered what a hybrid approach might look like and how the business types could be narrowed down. Manager Zarate responded that there are currently 8 groups identified, but noted that several of these groups could likely be combined. Chair Dickinson