Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2024 03 15

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes March 1, 2024 Page 3 of 4 added that he likes the one a month meeting schedule, but noted that neither 12 location meetings or 12 industry meetings feels right. He would like to see a combination of both the business type and location approaches. He also added that one based on size may be useful as well. Chair Dickinson noted that he is aware of the pull that this could put on staff and asked whether or not this feels like a good use of staff resources. City Manager Durbin appreciated the comment, and felt that while it will be another meeting for staff, the meetings will be quite beneficial. Public Comment from Mike Menaker: Mr. Menaker gave an overview of the Business Retention and Development (BRaD) Committee that used to exist in Louisville and some of their previous efforts around relationship -building within the business community. Manager Zarate clarified that the proposed meetings are not intended to be retention visits. Chair Dickinson agreed but noted that these meetings may have similar conversations as to what would occur in a retention visit. Councilmember Bierman asked whether a Developer Forum or something similar may be appropriate. Manager Zarate responded that she is considering this as a future event and will return to the EVC with additional information around developer forums, broker forums, realtor forums, etc. Councilmember Fahey noted that she would like to include property owners in addition to business owners. Chair Dickinson asked what is needed for next steps. Manager Zarate responded that staff will return with a plan for meetings for the rest of the year including dates, agendas, invite list, etc. Director Zuccaro asked whether these meetings are intended to include lunch and what sort of budget is required. The EVC agreed that having food or snacks would help increase attendance. Director Zuccaro responded that staff will look at the budget once staff has proposed a schedule. Public Comment from Rick Kron: Mr. Kron advised against long presentations at the beginning of the meeting and recommended that the meetings include plenty of time for businesses to talk. He also noted that the City has not adequately responded to or addressed to most recent Business Satisfaction Survey and added that he would like to see results from these outreach meetings. Public Comment from Sherry Sommer: Ms. Sommer commented that she would like for the City to be clear on what they can and can't do during these