2020-10-21 Economic Development Commission Packet'nC. t Sys
AGENDA
Edmonds Economic Development Commission
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
6 — 8 PM Zoom Info below
6:00 P.M. — Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement: "We acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Sdohobsh
(Snohomish) people and their successors the Tulalip Tribes, who since time immemorial have hunted, fished, gathered, and taken
care of these lands. We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and we honor their sacred spiritual connection
with the land and water." - City Council Land Acknowledgment
Call to Order
1. Approval of Agenda
2. Welcome and Introduction of Charlie Lieu and Carrie Hulbert, newly appointed
commissioners.
3. Roll Call and recognition of approved absences
4. Approval of September 16, 2020 Retreat Meeting Summary
5. Audience Comments (3 minutes per person)
6. Presentation and discussion topic: Inclusion goals and targets for Edmonds city
use of businesses owned by BIPOC, women, veterans and other underrepresented
persons. Council Member Luke Distelhorst to present research and lead
discussion. (see attached article) (30 minutes)
7. City Update
8. Old Business:
Review retreat notes and discuss recommendations (40 minutes)
9. New Business: none
10. Committee Review and discussion of committee assignments based on retreat
output (10 minutes)
11. Liaison Updates (3 minutes per liaison) (15 minutes)
12. Roundtable Discussion (Council, Commissioners, City, Liaisons, 3 minutes per
person) (10 minutes)
13. Adjourn
Next regular meeting: November 18, 2020 6 PM,
Zoom Information:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/99932500800
DRAFT
CITY OF EDMONDS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
RETREAT MEETING NOTES
September 16, 2020
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT
Nicole Hughes, Chair
Darrol Haug
Jay Hoag
Jamie Reece
Kevin Harris, Vice Chair
Scott Merrick
Kevin Smith
Liaisons Present:
Bruce Faires, Port Commissioner, ex-officio
Vivian Olson, Councilmember, ex officio arrived
at 5 P.M.
Roger Pence, Planning Board, ex-officio
COMMISSIONERS/LIAISONS ABSENT:
Greg Urban, Chamber, ex-officio arrived at 6:03
Guests: Susan Paine, Councilmember
Facilitator: Tom Mesaros
STAFF PRESENT:
Patrick Doherty, Director
Cindi Cruz, Program Coordinator
Economic Development Commission retreat conducted via ZOOM and called to order by Nicole
Hughes at 4:08 p.m.
1. Call to order
2. Regular Meeting
a. Approval of Agenda: Jay moved to approve agenda, Scott seconded, motion passed.
b. Roll Call and recognition of absences: None.
c. Approval of 8/19/20 Meeting summary: Darrol moved to approve minutes, Jay seconded,
motion passed.
3. Opening Remarks and Warmup
a. Purpose of extended meeting, Nicole briefly discussed the purpose of the meeting to
brainstorm and get a plan of action to move forward as a Commission. Hope to have time for all
discussion, ideas, etc. Explained Tom's as facilitator.
b. Housekeeping: breaks, parking lot, discussion protocol — if there is something on agenda that
comes up that needs to be explored or discussed to be placed in parking lot. Scott asked about
new commission members. Received 10 applications and have sent to Mayor for review.
c. Warmup: 3 Good Things/3 Things to Change:
Good Things: Things to Change:
Commissioners We could be quicker
Parking Study Become more efficient
Adaptability/Current Activity Encourage and empower our Committees
Energy/Desire Revisit our charter
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Economic Development Commission
September 16, 2020
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DRAFT
Changing Gear More outside speakers to learn more
More action items to the City Council
More measurable results
Communication framework to the City Council and Mayor
4. Audience Comments: Patrick expressed from Mayor good wishes and appreciation for what the
commission does. Susan asked what thoughts about BID and what successes are and could be
improved and would like thoughts from Commission. Nicole placed the BID on parking lot as a
potential future discussion item. Brian Doyle spoke and advised that he had applied for the
Commission and was happy to see what has been done to help the business community.
Tom discussed Powers and Duties of the EDC empowered to advise and recommend. Discussed this in
relation to the EDC role. Encouraged two-way communication on regular basis with Council and
Mayor. Not just the annual report. Working with other Boards and Commission. Good to get
agreement to strengthen proposals from Boards and Commissions. Kevin H encouraged the
communication with Council in a positive way. Nicole liked the referral to other Boards &
Commissions to support proposals and/or ideas. Becomes stronger idea with support. Darrol
supports making recommendations even if they are not supported by Council if the Commission
feels strongly. Scott struggle with how to make recommendations to CC and lacking in the
"how" and need to know the recommendations from. Kevin S referred to Housing Commission is
an example of how to throw out ideas. Bruce supported all ideas but encouraged leadership
from the Commission.
5. Discussion Topic #1: Tom and Nicole provided the direction for the breakout group. 20 minutes.
(Please see Attachment #1 for more details of retreat discussion )
Priorities and Categories of Economic Development Activities for Edmonds:
• Plant fertile ground coming out of covid isolation and restrictions
• Expansion of business districts (not sure if this is correct? Did we wish to expand the
actual districts or was it another angle on business districts?)
• Promotion of Edmonds as we come out of covid
• "Daycation" opportunities especially as the Waterfront Center opens
• Diversify Businesses in Edmonds
• Showcase the Marsh as an attraction
Break
6. Discussion Topic #2 Tom discussed to change the word Effectivewness to Opportunities. 15 minutes
Commission Strengths, Effectiveness Opportunities and Challenges 3 of each.
Strengths:
• Engagement and Dedication
• Motivation and Focus
• Out of the box thinking
• Ability to leverage talent
• Collaboration with City Staff
Challenges:
Silent Majority of Citizens
Lack of data and background support
Current business spending slow down
Getting to the "How"
Don't overly burden city staff
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September 16, 2020
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DRAFT
Opportunities:
• New Administration
• More collaboration with other entities
• Empty store fronts
• Encourage changing business models
• Open up new ideas previously rejected
7. Discussion Topic #3 15 minutes
Group Discussions — current, suspended and new ideas.
• Business Attraction for New Businesses and Start -Ups, including virtual Business Accelerator
• Rezoning/code change for Hotels
• HWY 99 Redevelopment/Co-location and shared office space
• Business Feasibility Committee
• Move Court and Police to HWY 99
• Measure public perception
• Parking Reorganization
• Harbor Square Redevelopment
• Rezone first floor height in other business districts (I don't recall this being stated)
• Hoteling issues
• Create a large community garden
Break
8. Discussion Topic #4 Tom discussed topics break out group — 20 minutes
Goals, Solution Development and Prioritization
Goals:
• Neighborhood Business Plan
• Focus on new vacancies; utilize replacement companies
• Visitors
• Supporting current businesses
• Shuttle people between areas
• Utilize best practice communications
• BID Exploration (did this mean more/new BIDS?)
• Develop longer term plans
Solutions:
• Polling and survey work — engaging the younger demographic
• Building our case to inspiring action — more frequent sharing with the city council
• Leveraging other entities and people as allies
• Expiration of South County Fire Contract
• Use committees to focus on existing or suspended ideas
• Getting the revenue report more often
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• Refresh/Redo the Strategic Action Plan
9. Wrap-up/Summary:
Tom led the wrap-up good ideas come about when getting together with common values and
common likes. Created more work here than doable and need to narrow the work down. Tom,
P, N, & Kevin H to sit down and combine the notes into a common document. After list is pared
down set up work groups to create time line for each goal and have work groups report
accordingly. Will send out notes as soon as available.
Facilitator's Recommendation:
1. Review these notes at the next EDC meeting and seek input from the EDC members
2. Narrow the focus of your work for 2020/2021 to three or four significant items and appoint a
committee of two or three commissioners to coordinate the work around each of those items
3. Have a guest speaker at each of your meetings for 20 minutes of presentation and 10 minutes of
questions preferably around one of the priority items the Commission is addressing during the
current year
4. Meet monthly with the City Council keeping them up to date on activities
5. Meet monthly with the Mayor keeping him up to date on activities and seek his support
6. Create a five-year plan listing focus and items for the Commission to address year by year and
have that plan approved by city council
7. Commission agendas should focus on the guest speakers and responding to committee work:
learning, questions and providing insights to the committee members. Remember, it is
important to utilize and encourage your committees.
Thanked Tom for giving up his time to facilitate. Nicole thanked Commissioners for their time involved
Adjourn at 8: p.m.
Next regular meeting: October 21, 2020, 6 PM location TBA
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Economic Development Commission
September 16, 2020
Page 4
DRAFT
ATTACHMENT 1
Priorities and Categories of Economic Development Activities for
Edmonds
1. COVID related issues
a. keep businesses alive beyond COVID
b. promote Edmonds as a regional/local destination (w/safety protections)
c. economic recovery
2. Diversity businesses/expansion of underrepresented business types
3. Geography Needs
4. Collab with other groups and leverage other resources
5. Expand discussion for vision of Edmonds (past = arts &culture, future = ?)
6. Support infrastructure to attract different businesses
7. PR related issues
a. clarify/market why ED and EDC exist
b. build PR/mission/internal-external communication
8. Support development, building and construction to support expansion of business dist.
a. Firdale Village
b. 5 Corners
c. 99 Development
d. Perrinville
9. Restaurant focus— Edmonds as an eatery destination
10. Food and culture focus — hwy 99 as an internationals draw for arts, shopping, food
11. Consumer spending related to jobs (how many people work in Edmonds)
12. Attract satellite/corporate locations
13. Daycation destination
a. Shopping
b. Culture
c. Food/drink
d. Farmers/Artists Market
14. Arts and creative district draw, galleries, museums
15. Waterfront center opportunities
a. Beyond conference and rental space
b. Community cultural center, senior center by day
c. Programs to attract people, families
16. Marsh as an attraction/park/educational opportunity
17. Destination hotel/spa related to the natural spaces
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Economic Development Commission
September 16, 2020
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Commission Strengths, Effectiveness and Challenges
Strengths
1. By definition, have the ear of City Council
2. Diversity of Commission talent
3. Fresh new EDC leadership
4. Motivated to focus
5. Potential for fresh outlook from City Council
6. Commissioners are congenial, positive and energetic
7. Energy and Enthusiasm
8. Mix of Skills and Knowledge
9. Engagement of Commissioners and Consistency
10. Out of the Box Thinkers
11. Collaborate with City Staff
Opportunities
1. Collaborate with other community entities/groups (Chamber, EC, Waterfront, others
will help leverage success)
2. Provide econ vitality input to Council in new ways
3. Timing: openness to pivot from business community 'readiness'; business perspective
on bus model changes
4. To 'use' Council effectively (with fresh faces)
5. Replacing failing businesses- plan/encourage/support expanding diversity
6. Better communication with City Council
7. New City Council, new Mayor — allows a reset for priorities
8. COVID and current economic challenges open up acceptance to ideas that were
previously rejected
9. Empty Storefronts create new opportunities to bring in new businesses
10. Surrounding community changing business climate creates opportunities for Edmonds
11. Benefits of substitution spending locally
12. Low interest rate environment will benefit development opportunities in the
commercial space
Challenges
1. To actually engage/communicate with City Council - provide leadership, promote good
ideas, accept Council's decisions
2. Leverage public opinion
3. Recognize/create balance beyond commission 'full creativity' and staff admin burden -
how to redefine commitments?
4. Development of data/info to support proposals/recommendations to Council/others
5. Better ideas to move towards implementation: different ways on 'getting to how'
6. Politics
7. The loud minority trying to shut down growth and progress
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Economic Development Commission
September 16, 2020
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8. The silent majority that doesn't speak out in support of growth and progress —how to
engage this group more
9. Business spending may be slowed during COVID
Group Discussions — current, suspended and new ideas
Current
1. City website that coordinates cross -organizational support/training infrastructure for
entrepreneurs, current home businesses, owners wishing to relocate out of 'Seattle'
core
2. Health -healthcare innovators/hospital 'core' zone/large employee base and services
needs/housing/99 redevelopment
3. b. Co -location and shared office space
4. c. How city/EDC can support specific business changes: facilitate better development
feasibility
5. Rezone waterfront section for boutique hotel — how do we build the case for this?
Suspended
1. Harbor Square redevelopment in its original 'image' (i.e., co -location, satellite, tech)
2. City Hall/Police Station move concept: w/hotel potential
3. 144 Railroad Ave building: acceptable use for hotel
4. 1st floor ceiling heights issue & new council members
5. Overarching: Possible change of public perspective from COVID
6. What to do with Arts & Leisure ideas, now that Committee is in hibernation
7. Repurposing City Hall/Police Station/Court — revised vision of this
8. City goes to police location
9. Police goes to hwy 99
10. Courts go to hwy 99
11. Rezone first floor height requirements in Downtown
12. Parking reorg or expansion
13. Senior pub walk
New
1. Hwy 99 priority- re-development/healthcare district development
2. Apodments — living opportunities downtown
3. Large Community Garden — draw people to location create community activity
4. Shuttle Service between business districts
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Economic Development Commission
September 16, 2020
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Goals, Solution Development and Prioritization
Goals
1. Focus on new vacancies- to ID opportunities (work-live/jobs/industry emphasis)
a. Resilience of existing businesses/which businesses (& types) have expressed
interest? to help promote diversity/vitality
2. Support present businesses with ideas/support to remain vital
3. Plan for longer -term: 3-5 year vision for Edmonds economic environment
4. Focus on opportunities outside of downtown (geo areas)
5. Build 'best practice' communication w/Council (including a 'lobbying' perspective)
6. Business Neighborhood Plans
7. Community visioning
8. Improve Vacancy Rates
9. Regularly review tax base to understand/track
10. Economic and cultural diversity —jobs, business owners, customers
11. Understanding spending trends
12. Shuttle, moving people between amenities
13. BID exploration
Solutions
1. Get/refresh public opinion info on geo areas outside of downtown
2. More focused effort to meet individually with Council members; engage in positive
ways to find out what their specific interests/goals are re: ED
3. Pursue better communication/leadership with other Boards/Commissions
4. Engage younger demographic in a way that they will respond via social media, etc
(get new information to ID current and future wants/needs based on upcoming
generation)
5. Refresh strategic plan (or some analog)
6. Use ED committees more efficiently to focus on 'existing' or 'suspended' ideas
momentum.
7. Bring representation from outside orgs to meetings to discuss/refine ED - make part
of every commission meeting?
8. Using data to build a case and to inspire action by the city and create community
support
9. EMS/Fire contracts could impact tax base
10. Staff share tax revenue reports with EDC on a regular basis (monthly?)
11. Using polling and survey work to create data points and understanding of public
opinion
12. Demographics understanding of city and of polling responses
13. Creatively engage those who don't traditionally respond to polls
14. Share out to Council more frequently
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Economic Development Commission
September 16, 2020
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Inclusive Contracting and
Business Development
Programs
Background
Definition
Inclusive contracting and business development programs provide access and opportunities for a more
diverse range of businesses and entrepreneurs to contribute to the local and regional economy. These
programs can also provide access to family wage jobs, job training, and technical assistance and funding.
Health, equity, and sustainability considerations
As Washington continues to become more diverse, support of small, women- and minority -owned
businesses is an increasingly important part of an economic development strategy. These businesses are a
crucial part of the region's economy, both in terms of economic impact and in terms of job creation. As a
number of small, women- and minority -owned businesses grows, the success of these businesses translates
to more jobs, increased wealth and long-term prosperity for the region's residents. More must be done to
ensure that these entrepreneurs have the tools, resources and access they need to be successful.
The Alameda County Public Health Department asserts that socioeconomic status, a measure of income,
education, and/or occupation, is a powerful predictor of health. Individuals with a higher socioeconomic
status tend to live longer and experience
fewer health problems across the course
of life. Thus, improving access to family
wage jobs and job training may have a
profound impact on health.
In 1998, Initiative 200 (1-200) passed in Washington State prohibiting racial and gender preferences by state
and local government. Because of the restrictions of 1-200, state and local organizations focus outreach and
strategies specifically around supporting small businesses. In addition, many "small business" services
provided by non -state or local organizations have specific outreach efforts related to women- and minority -
owned businesses.
Program and Policy Examples
Program Examples
Strategies that municipalities and other organizations can implement to support small, women- and
minority -owned businesses focus on expanding contracting opportunities for these businesses and better
connecting these businesses to financial and technical assistance. These include:
0 Planning for Whole Communities Toolkit Puget Sound Regional Council • 1
• Small, women- and minority -owned business contracting opportunities. Many local jurisdictions
and counties, the State of Washington, and federal agencies offer small, women- and minority -
owned businesses opportunities to contract on public works projects, including good and services,
construction, and consulting contracts.
• Apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship programs help to train workers, primarily in the
construction industry. This is important as trends in recent demographic studies forecast a
shortage of skilled workers. These programs provide opportunities for minorities, women, persons
with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged youth to participate in public works projects.
• Community workforce agreements. A community workforce agreement consists of a project labor
agreement that includes a targeted hire provision designed to get low-income workers into
construction careers.
• Financing and technical support. Numerous public and private organizations provide a variety of
financial and technical support services to help small, women- and minority -owned businesses
become more competitive in the local and regional economy.
How is it used locally?
Below are some of the programs, organizations, and best practices in the region:
Local Jurisdictions
The Tacoma City Council's Government Performance and Finance Committee develops, implements, and
monitors policies, programs, and services related to city workforce development and diversity. The city has
made equity a top strategic objective for 2014. This includes working towards the following outcomes:
• A workforce that more effectively interacts with the community it serves because of its raised
awareness of equity, including racial equity.
• A workforce within the City of Tacoma that reflects the community it serves.
King County Finance and Business Operations runs the Procurement Reform Initiative launched in 2010 that
has implemented new contracting methods, a small business accelerator and new regional partnerships for
small business certification, bolstered by a more efficient and equitable environment that has made it
easier for small firms to do business with the county. In 2013, this program won the Crystal Eagle award
from Tabor 100, a non-profit association of entrepreneurs and business advocates committed to economic
power, educational excellence and social equity for African -Americans and the community at large.
Sound Transit's diversity program develops strategies and policies to provide meaningful contracting
opportunities to minority, women, and disadvantaged businesses. The aim is for these businesses to have
equal employment opportunities to compete for contract work and for Sound Transit to achieve a
workforce diversity reflective of the central Puget Sound region.
The City of Seattle Labor Equity Group is committed to ensuring access for women, people of color, and
others with social and economic disadvantages, particularly those in Seattle, in pursuit of construction
careers. City Purchasing and Contracting Services implements policies to support career pipelines and
employment of such workers through city -funded construction contracts.
2 • Puget Sound Regional Council Planning for Whole Communities Toolkit 0
The City of Seattle utilizes community workforce agreements to ensure equitable hiring on public works
construction projects. In 2013, the Seattle Housing Authority, the City of Seattle, King County, and
organized labor entered an agreement for the Yesler Terrace Redevelopment. This community workforce
agreement sets goals and metrics for equal employment and small business opportunities for the
construction project.
In order to broaden the benefits of the city's contracts, the City of Seattle requires apprenticeship on all city
construction contracts above $1 million in value. The city is studying policies and practices in Seattle and
elsewhere to determine improvements that increase worker diversity on construction sites.
In 2013, Seattle Resolution 31485 created Construction Careers Advisory Committee to review the city's
current contracting program and outcomes, best practices from other jurisdictions, and make policy and
program recommendations based on their work.
Community Advocates
Performance First is an educational curriculum designed to help large corporations improve their
procurement and purchasing systems with regard to minority -owned businesses.
The Billion Dollar Roundtable promotes and shares best practices in supply chain diversity excellence
through the production of white papers. In discussions, the members review common issues, opportunities
and strategies.
The Small Business Transportation Resource Center provides one-on-one business counseling, access to
capital assistance, and procurement assistance.
Procurement Technical Assistance Center provides statewide services in King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish
counties including interpretations of solicitations to help small business owners understand government
contract opportunities. The Center also provides registration and certifications of 8(a), HUBZone, small
disadvantages, veteran -owned, women -owned, and minority -owned businesses, and marketing assistance
to help businesses determine target markets and how to best access these markets.
The University of Washington's Entrepreneurial Law Clinic offers business planning, structure and
governance services. The Clinic also consults on employment law, business licensing, and tax planning and
compliance.
Score provides free mentoring covering topics such as finance and accounting, business planning, marketing
strategy, IT services, and legal issues. It also offers workshops and events, and free templates and tools.
South East Effective Development (SEED) offers business assistance including planning, financing, legal
issues, and marketing.
Washington CASH provides business education and one-on-one coaching.
0 Planning for Whole Communities Toolkit Puget Sound Regional Council • 3
Northwest Mountain Minority Supplier Development Council is home to the Minority Business Executive
Program that works to increase the competitiveness of Minority Business Enterprises.
The Puget Sound Latino Chamber of Commerce offers entrepreneurial development training including one-
on-one sessions for women.
The Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda) provides
accounting and legal counseling, and a variety of workshops and training sessions.
Implementation
Model policy language
The City of Seattle's Elliott Bay Sea Wall construction project community workforce agreement outlines
model policy language and the elements commonly found in formal agreements.
The Partnership for Working Families' Community Workforce Agreements: The Pathway to Coalitions
Between Labor and Community (2010) provides basic information on community workforce agreements,
including a discussion of common components, an overview of best practices, and examples.
In the Public Interest's Sample Responsible Contracting Legislation and Policy provides best practices and
sample legislation and policy from across the country.
Considerations for local implementation
Immigrant entrepreneurs start businesses at higher rates than native-born Americans. Many immigrant
entrepreneurs have been underserved by traditional business support programs and lenders. Local
jurisdictions can help improve access to existing support services by increasing awareness, and developing
culturally appropriate and linguistically accessible training.
Resources
Alameda County Public Health Department's Life and Death from Unnatural Causes: Health and Social
Equity in Alameda County (2008)
King County's Changing Demographics (2013)
Partnership for Working Families' Policy & Tools (2012)
Performance First's Supplier Diversity Toolkit (2009)
Prosperity Partnership's Minority -Owned Business Development Strategy (2008)
Puget Sound Regional Council's Regional Economic Strategy for the Central Puget Sound Region (2012)
Washington State Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprises' Resource for Small Businesses (2014)
4 • Puget Sound Regional Council Planning for Whole Communities Toolkit 0