Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2024 09 04

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Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes August 16, 2024 Page 3 of 5 Manager Zarate noted that it's not in the City's nest interest to help open a business that is going to fail. As such, the City works closely with existing businesses on retention. She noted that retention issues are not always financial and may include challenges around changing market needs. Chair Dickinson wondered if the EVC had interest in directing staff to look into new programs that would help attract small retail businesses and also retain existing small businesses. Councilmember Bierman responded that he would like to explore these programs. Councilmember Fahey agreed that she wants staff to look into these programs. Public Comment from Mike Kranzdorf: Mr. Kranzdorf commented that downtown businesses need a full-time population in order to help them thrive. He added that there is not currently much of daytime population in downtown Louisville. He noted that rent may not be the issue that's putting businesses out of businesses, but that it is likely other costs. He concluded his comments by reiterating that adding more downtown office users to create a population could most help downtown businesses. Chair Dickinson commented that rent subsidies could help fill vacant buildings while also helping reduce the rent paid by small tenants. Chair Dickinson directed staff to look into the programs and incentives discussed today and asked whether staff needed any additional clarification. Staff responded that they did not. Councilmember Fahey asked whether staff could look into providing incentives for events that would help draw people downtown or to McCaslin Blvd for example. She emphasized events during the day. 7. Meeting Date and Time Discussion: Staff and the EVC wished to discuss potentially moving future EVC meetings so that they are no longer on Friday afternoon. Manager Zarate gave an overview of all existing Board and Commission meetings so that the EVC could avoid scheduling conflicts. Councilmember Fahey suggested that Wednesdays should work for her as long as it does not interfere with the monthly Louisville Revitalization Commission meeting. Chair Dickinson and Councilmember Bierman both agreed that Wednesdays should work for them. Chair Dickinson directed staff to explore potential 90 minute meeting times on Wednesdays. He stated that he does not have a strong opinion on whether it's the first, second, etc. Wednesday of the month. Manager Zarate asked whether the EVC might want to schedule their future meetings around the Business Beat roundtables. Manager Zarate confirmed that she will look into scheduling the meetings on Wednesdays and propose some times to the EVC.