Economic Vitality Committee Agenda and Packet 2025 07 24

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City Council Economic Vitality Committee Meeting Minutes June 12, 2025 Page2of6 feedback regarding whether they would like to move forward with a survey for 2025, and if so, what questions and methodology the Committee would like to see. Mayor Leh asked for public comment. Public comment from Mark Oberholzer: Mr. Oberholzer stated that he appreciated the business satisfaction survey when it was originally implemented in previous years and that he looks forward to its return. He added that ability to see previous versions and to compare how answers or feelings may have changed over time will be helpful. Councilmember Fahey asked whether the survey was sent to the business owner or the property owner. Manager Zarate responded that she wasn't 100% sure of the previous methodology, but guessed that it was likely sent to both business owners and property owners. She added that, based on questions included in the previous surveys, she feels that business owners and/or operators are more likely to respond. Councilmember Fahey asked if there was a way to better incorporate property owners in the next survey. Councilmember Kern agreed that she would like to see property owners better represented in the next survey. She also wondered if there was additional information that could be included in the survey. Manager Zarate responded that staff will explore the possibility, but noted that she does not want to take focus off the survey itself. Manager Zarate added that the demographic questions can include identifying information such as property owner, business owner, business operator, etc. She also asked if the Committee would like to continue to collect demographic information such as identifying women or minority -owned businesses. Mayor Leh asked how that sort of information may be used. Manager Zarate responded that she would like to publish the survey results without the demographic information. She added that the demographic information could be used to connect certain businesses with appropriate resources, awards or opportunities that may be catered to certain demographics. Councilmember Fahey asked if the survey also includes geographic location. Manager Zarate confirmed that it will and added that the results should be able to identify trends based on how businesses in certain parts of the City respond. Councilmember Kern stated that she would like to see more opportunity for business to leave comments, including a "why" for the first couple of questions rather than just "yes" or "no". Mayor Leh stated that it's important to identify what the City is hoping to get out of the survey, and added that "actionable" items may be "actionable" to different groups. He also stated that he would like to solicit questions from the business community. He