City Council Minutes 2020 11 10 SP

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City Council Meeting Minutes November 10, 2020 Page 2 of 4 opportunities, facilitates investment, and produces reliable revenue to support City services. She reviewed the Committee's program objectives and how it aligns to the City's Strategic Plan. The strategic goals are 1) focus on retention, expansion, and attraction strategies for underutilized retail spaces, blighted properties, and long-term vacancies; 2) improve the business climate through collaborative relationships and effective processes; 3) develop differentiated tools and programs focused on increasing total retail sales and sources of revenue generating activities; 4) facilitate a mix of diverse and quality job opportunities for Louisville residents and 5) invest in green practices and programs that enhance environmental sustainability in our business community. The goals have a three to five-year horizon. She noted the Key Performance Indicators will be used to measure success and the tasks are meant to be tactical and actionable. Director Pierce noted that the Committee had discussions on feasibility and resources. All of the items in the plan are important but the pandemic is an added challenge. Additionally, there is no funding in the 2021 budget for these items so that will need to be addressed in 2021. Director Pierce asked Council for feedback on the Economic Vitality Strategic Plan. Public Comments Rick Kron, Downtown Business Association president, asked the Council to consider a discussion of continuing the outdoor dining program on Main Street for the winter. Councilmember Lipton asked if more funding should be dedicated to the EV program to keep the plan moving and to allow Director Pierce to focus on the larger items. Mayor Pro Tern Maloney stated this is a good plan and it needs to be looked at as strategic direction more than a tactical plan. It will allow Council to be strategic in policy directives to make sure staff's efforts and KPIs align with policy. He is concerned It will require more resources to be fully implemented. Councilmember Leh would like the plan to include efforts to attract more diverse business owners to town. He asked how attracting businesses fits in the priority list. Director Pierce stated keeping existing businesses is the first priority and after that attracting new businesses. She stated the City currently lacks a systematic approach to attraction. Staff will need more data and some additional work to create such a program. Councilmember Brown agrees with the Plan's first priority to get underutilized retail spaces and vacant properties filled, specifically Parcel O and the McCaslin corridor. Councilmember Fahey asked if there are other resources available to help Director Pierce.