AGENDA Economic Vitality Commission

Transcription

1 AGENDA Economic Vitality Commission 5:30 PM - Wednesday, September 10, 2014 Pickering Room, th Avenue NW, Issaquah WA Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 5:30 PM 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 5:31 PM 3-6 a) 9 Jul 2014 Meeting Minutes 3. AGENDA ITEMS a) B&O Taxes Update Presented by: Jen Davis-Hayes, Economic Development Manager b) CIP Anchor Project Presented by: Keith Niven, Economic Development Director 7-13 c) Comp Plan Update Presented by: Jen Davis-Hayes, Economic Development Manager d) Strategic Plan Update Presented by: Jen Davis-Hayes, Economic Development Manager 4. AUDIENCE COMMENTS 7:00 PM 5. OTHER BUSINESS / ANNOUNCEMENTS 7:15 PM 6. ADJOURNMENT The next meeting is currently scheduled for October 15th, :30 PM INQUIRIES Please contact Candy Baer at (425) or candyb@issaquahwa.gov. Page 1 of 13

2 Meeting room is wheelchair accessible. American Disability Act (ADA) accommodations available upon request. Please phone at least two business days in advance. Note: Times listed for meetings topics are approximate and items are subject to being shifted from the original order. Page 2 of 13

3 Economic Development th Ave NW P.O. Box 1307 Issaquah, WA PH: issaquahwa.gov Economic Vitality Commission Meeting Minutes July 9 th, 2014 Pickering Room Attendees: COMMISSIONERS PRESENT Karl Leigh, Chair John Traeger, Vice-Chair Richard Gabel Kristi Tripple Keith Watts Cyrus Krohn Mariah Bettise Bill Ramos STAFF PRESENT Keith Niven, Economic Development Director Andrea Snyder, Economic Development Manager Jen Davis-Hayes, Economic Development Manager Candy Baer, Economic Development Specialist OTHERS PRESENT Chris Medford CALL TO ORDER LEIGH called the meeting to order at 5:31 PM. MEETING MINUTES LEIGH presented the meeting minutes from the June 18 th, 2014 meeting, TRIPPLE motioned, GABEL seconded. Carried unanimously. ECONOMIC DATA PROFILE PRESENTATION Jen Davis-Hayes introduced Chris Medford from CAI and explained that even though we have not received full funding for the Sector Analysis we paid out of our own department professional services budget to do the Data Profile portion, Chris is here today to present to the Commissioners. The below images are the images used during his presentation. Page 3 of 13

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6 Strategic Plan Implementation Jen Davis-Hayes, quickly ran through the action steps from the previous meeting. LEIGH suggested changing on 2.3.c. add Encourage and removing Allow. LEIGH also asked for 3.1.c, to remove Private from this section. The Commissioners all agreed on these proposed changes. PUBLIC COMMENT None OTHER BUSINESS Niven announced that there will not be an EVC meeting in August and that our next meeting will be on September 10 th. The Commissioners asked for updates on B&O Taxes and the Comp Plan Update at the next meeting. ADJOURNMENT LEIGH closed the meeting at 7:32 p.m. These minutes are a brief summary of the Economic Vitality Commission Meeting. For more information or clarification, please contact the Economic Development Department at Respectfully Submitted, Candy Baer, Economic Development Specialist Page 6 of 13

7 ECONOMIC VITALITY ELEMENT INTRODUCTION Economic vitality is an important factor to maintain Issaquah s high quality of life. The City s efforts outlined in this element foster sustainable economic growth of its innovative and vibrant business community, development and redevelopment that meets the vision of the City to better accommodate a diverse business and residential population as well as increased awareness by external stakeholders of the community s business, cultural and natural assets. Other elements of the Comprehensive Plan Element contribute to the community s economic vitality and vibrancy. The Land Use Element sets the development pattern for the City s commercial areas and targets growth in the Central Issaquah area. The Housing Element policies promote a range of housing options, which supports a diverse employment base. The Transportation Element supports an efficient circulation system which enables the mobility of people, goods, services, customers and employees to businesses. The Utilities and Public Services Element ensures that adequate public infrastructure and facilities are available to support the economic viability of businesses and private development. The implementation of the Economic Vitality Element goals requires collaborative efforts within the City as well as with external stakeholders to achieve success. This underpinning is inherent in the development of the Economic Vitality Element s goals. The City s Economic Vitality Commission conducted a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) exercise in This information was integrated with other plans including the previous Comprehensive Plan Economic Vitality Element, Economic Vitality Task Force Plan (2006), Central Issaquah Plan Economic Vitality Element (2012) as well as current conditions. The result was the creation of an Economic Vitality Strategic Plan (2014), which provided direction and input for this element. ECONOMIC VITALITY VISION Issaquah s economic vitality vision is to continue to provide a welcoming business climate, support business success and quality of life elements that enhance our community. As our community grows, economic vitality depends on increasing the number and diversity of employment opportunities as well as access to goods and services that reflect the vision for the City. Innovative businesses of all sizes will be successful in this community in part because of the community s proactive investments in infrastructure, educational opportunities and protection of the natural environment. STATE REQUIREMENTS Growth management act requirements Page 7 of 13

8 RCW 36.70A.070 Comprehensive plans Mandatory elements. (7) An economic development element establishing local goals, policies, objectives, and provisions for economic growth and vitality and a high quality of life. The element shall include: (a) A summary of the local economy such as population, employment, payroll, sectors, businesses, sales, and other information as appropriate; (b) a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the local economy defined as the commercial and industrial sectors and supporting factors such as land use, transportation, utilities, education, workforce, housing, and natural/cultural resources; and (c) an identification of policies, programs, and projects to foster economic growth and development and to address future needs. A city that has chosen to be a residential community is exempt from the economic development element requirement of this subsection. GOALS AND POLICIES Successful Business Environment EV Goal A. Issaquah strives to beis/will be a business friendly community that supports business success and growth to increase goods, services, jobs and other amenities for its residents and the region. Address agility of changing with business environment Discussion: The City will work with the community to ensure a business environment where businesses choose to start-up, expand and relocate. City processes that are streamlined and predictable, adequate provision of infrastructure and customer service focused staff are ways to create a positive business environment. Partnering with organizations that impact business decisions, such as Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, utility companies and financial institutions can also enhance the business climate. EV Policy A1: Provide business services and referrals to support success of existing and start-up businesses. EV Policy A2: Develop transportation and mobility solutions to address business needs in coordination with transportation element. EV Policy A3: Ensure utility and other infrastructure assets are available in business areas through public and private funding in coordination with utility element. EV Policy A4: Create an internal process that ensures a predictable process and a competitive cost of doing business. EV Policy A5: Communicate regularly with business and community stakeholders to ensure efforts reflect community values. Recognition of Economic Strengths EV Goal B. Issaquah will be known regionally and beyond as a great place to do business. Discussion: Issaquah s progressive business environment and community amenities have resulted in growth from x people, x jobs in 1990 to x people, x jobs in 2012/3. (Note to PPC: this data will be filled in when Land Use Element and Population chart Page 8 of 13

9 is final so that all the data in the update is consistent!) Businesses will continue to choose Issaquah to do business and continue to address gaps of goods and services for its residents, employers, employees and visitors. Development and redevelopment will help achieve the vision of a more livable, sustainable and balanced mixed use urban area. EV Policy B1: Build Issaquah s value proposition and regional advantages to be well known to business communities in the region and beyond. EV Policy B2: Increase regional partnerships to leverage opportunities to implement economic vitality goals and strategies. EV Policy B3: Attract businesses to ensure a diverse economic base, provides high quality employment opportunities and provides goods and services desired by the community. EV Policy B4: Encourage private investment via development and redevelopment that uses land efficiently and contributes positively to economic vitality. Workforce Development and Housing EV Goal C. The business community employs readily available skilled and educated workers and residents can access training for skills required in the changing economy. Housing options will be available for current and future business employees to make Issaquah home. This statement was confusing to them. Could be re-written to say the City works with businesses to provide skilled and education workers and training is available to address changes in the economy. One Commissioner suggested that Housing should be a separate goal b/c it s very important. Suggested to speak to focus on maintaining high level of education. Discussion: Economic development surveys consistently place access to a trained workforce as one of the top 3 factors for the relocation or expansion of a business. The level and quality of skills and education of Issaquah s residents and business employees will determine the future of business success, and thus City economic success. In addition, housing at all income levels is an important factor to address to be able to attract employees for all levels of employment. EV Policy C1: Facilitate the alignment of higher education institutions, job training programs and businesses with regional workforce needs. EV Policy C2: Assist the Issaquah School District and Issaquah Schools Foundation to be well integrated with the business community. EV Policy C3: Support housing opportunities for all employees to live within the community in coordination with the human services element. Vibrant Community EV Goal D. Issaquah is a community where people choose to live. One Commissioner suggested to add community events as a focus. Also mention the importance of maintaining a safe and secure community. Discussion: Issaquah prides itself on its community character and richness of Page 9 of 13

10 amenities. The strength of the community is an asset to business development. Businesses want to be associated with a vibrant community to not only reflect their values but also to attract quality employees. Active businesses benefit a community by supporting community assets and providing talent to make things happen. Economic vitality and community vibrancy are interrelated and two pieces of a healthy community. EV Policy D1: Ensure robust arts and culture opportunities in the City in coordination with the cultural element. EV Policy D2: Increase awareness and access to outdoor recreation amenities to provide recreational and entrepreneurial opportunities in coordination with the parks element. EV Policy D3: Support a diversified and outstanding selection of entertainment, dining and shopping experiences to meet the needs of residents, businesses and visitors. IMPLEMENTATION EV Policy A1: Provide business services and referrals to support success of existing and start-up businesses. 1. Meet with employers to ensure needs are met, address concerns and make referrals as appropriate. 2. Partner with Chamber and DIA for business outreach events. 3. Support Mayor's Ad Hoc Committee on Downtown Vitality and implement recommendations. 4. Serve as a business Ombudsman within the City. EV Policy A2: Develop transportation and mobility solutions to address business needs in coordination with transportation element. 1. Support efforts to create a new I-90 crossing. 2. Ensure business needs are considered in City and regional transportation discussions. 3. Identify missing links, examine intra-city mobility, transportation alternatives in order to facilitate neighborhood livability and business growth. 4. Develop a Transportation Infrastructure Funding Strategy to increase the City's commitment to constructing improvements. EV Policy A3: Ensure utility and other infrastructure assets are available in business areas through public and private funding in coordination with utility element. 1. In partnership with Chamber, analyze business utility needs and address issues. Page 10 of 13

11 2. Identify infrastructure needs to facilitate Central Issaquah redevelopment potential. EV Policy A4: Create an internal process that ensures a predictable process and a competitive cost of doing business. 1. Institutionalize economic development among City staff, Boards and Commissions and business processes. 2. Provide comparison between Issaquah and peer cities of fees/taxes and cost of doing business. 3. Improve management of business data to inform economic development efforts. 4. Create easy to navigate website including "welcome wagon" process for businesses to better understand City process and requirements. 5. Streamline the Change of Use process to ensure it is as time and cost efficient as possible. EV Policy A5: Communicate regularly with business and community stakeholders to ensure efforts reflect community values. 1. Effectively utilize Economic Vitality Commission to gather community input. 2. Attend local and regional business events as City representative. 3. Conduct business surveys. 4. Conduct one-on-one business interviews. 5. Host public meetings for input to economic development projects, as appropriate. EV Policy B1: Build Issaquah s value proposition and regional advantages to be well known to business communities in the region and beyond. 1. Conduct sector analysis to determine business mix that fits City's vision. 2. Create a business identity/brand that illustrates our competitive advantage. EV Policy B2: Increase regional partnerships to leverage opportunities to implement economic vitality goals and strategies. 1. Create and implement a multi-media marketing plan based on sector analysis findings. 2. Increase partnerships/communications with real estate brokers, site selectors and property owners to communicate economic development opportunities. 3. Deepen professional relationships with regional, public, private and community organizations to communicate economic development opportunities. Page 11 of 13

12 EV Policy B3: Attract businesses to ensure a diverse economic base, provides high quality employment opportunities and provides goods and services desired by the community. 1. Recruit businesses to reduce retail leakage. 2. Attract and retain businesses that provide stability for the City's economy. 3. Attract higher-skilled, quality jobs that allow employees to live within the community. EV Policy B4: Encourage private investment via development and redevelopment that uses land efficiently and contributes positively to economic vitality. 1. Create development agreements with property owners to achieve City's vision. 2. Market redevelopment opportunities within Central Issaquah, explore incentives for pioneer projects and other catalyst ideas. EV Policy C1: Facilitate the alignment of higher education institutions, job training programs and businesses with regional workforce needs. 1. Host a job fair in collaboration with WDC, Chamber, local employers and other stakeholders. 2. Identify strategies, policies and programs that would sustain a branch of Bellevue College and other higher education programs. 3. Recruit another 4-year+ private educational institution. 4. Facilitate connection of workforce development providers with businesses. EV Policy C2: Assist the Issaquah School District and Issaquah Schools Foundation to be well integrated with the business community. 1. Partner with district to connect businesses and classrooms. 2. Promote education excellence to the business community. 3. Coordinate with schools to enhance internship opportunities. EV Policy C3: Support housing opportunities for all employees to live within the community in coordination with the human services element. 1. Develop Workforce Housing Plan. 2. Work to expand workforce housing opportunities. EV Policy D1: Ensure robust arts and culture opportunities in the City in coordination with the cultural element. 1. Attract an arts/music venue. 2. Assist Historical Society's strategic planning process and implementation. 3. Explore housing opportunities for artists. Page 12 of 13

13 EV Policy D2: Increase awareness and access to outdoor recreation amenities to provide recreational and entrepreneurial opportunities in coordination with the parks element. 1. Increase recreation and business opportunities at Lake Sammamish State Park. 2. Improve access and usability of outdoor recreational and natural amenities. 3. Promote and attract outdoor recreation businesses. EV Policy D3: Support a diversified and outstanding selection of entertainment, dining and shopping experiences to meet the needs of residents, businesses and visitors. 1. Support implementation of Tourism business plan. 2. Facilitate opportunities for entertainment, dining and other cultural activity partnerships. 3. Encourage more multi-generational and multi-cultural activities and entertainment opportunities. 4. Improve wayfinding. Page 13 of 13