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2022-02-16 Economic Development Commission Packetf n C. 1 g9v AGENDA Edmonds Economic Development Commission Wednesday, February 16, 2022 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. Roll Call and Recognition of Approved Absences (5 min) 2. Approval of Agenda (2 min) 3. Approval of January 19, 2022 Meeting Summary (2 min) 4. Audience Comments (3 minutes per person) 5. Breakout debrief from 1/19 (30min) a. Food TruckNendor Spaces Group b. Hwy 99: City Facilities and Activities along Renewal Zone c. Walkable City Concepts 6. Discussion: Economic Development Idea Heatmap w/Breakout Discussions (40 min) a. Parking Solutions b. HealthTech Corridor Development c. Ferry Reservation System 7. City Update (5 min) 8. Liaison Updates (5 min each) a. City Council b. Port of Edmonds c. Chamber of Commerce d. Planning Board 9. Roundtable Discussion (10 min) 10. Adjourn Next regular meeting: March 16, 2022 6PM Zoom Information: https:Hzoom.us/i/98696685791?pwd=RytOZiVuK3ZCNON4QlRrM HZgSWpVQT09 Meeting ID: 986 9668 5791 Passcode: 901513 CITY OF EDMONDS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING January 19, 2022 COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Nicole Hughes, Chair Darrol Haug Kevin Harris, Vice Chair Scott Merrick Carrie Hulbert Keith Hamilton Evan Sittauer, Student -Rep COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Jay Hoag - excused Kevin Smith - excused Charlie Lieu — excused LIAISONS PRESENT: Roger Pence, Planning Board, ex-officio Angela Harris, Port Commissioner, ex-officio Susan Paine, Councilmember, ex-officio Greg Urban, Edmonds Chamber, ex-officio LIAISONS ABSENT: GUESTS: STAFF PRESENT: Doug Merriman, Interim Director Economic Development Commission meeting conducted via ZOOM and called to order by Nicole Hughes at 6:04 p.m. Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement 1. Roll was called with individual introductions, and the following excused absences noted: Jay Hoag, Kevin Smith, Charlie Lieu. 2. Approval of Agenda: Darrol Haug moved to approve the agenda with this addition - include follow up discussions on Streateries, Parking and Unocal Property developments, Scott Merrick seconded; motion passed. Items will be added as 5.5 on agenda. 3. Approval of December 15, 2021, Meeting Summary: Darrol Haug moved to approve the meeting summary; Carrie Hulbert seconded; motion passed. 4. Audience Comments: none 5. Introductions and Liaison Changes: With the retirement of Patrick Doherty, the city has hired Doug Merriman to serve as interim director. Port Commissioner Angela Harris will serve as the commission's liaison to the Port and Councilmember Susan Paine will serve as the liaison to the City Council. 5.5. Follow Up Discussions (items added to agenda) wanted to have a deliberate discussion on these topics and possibly add them to the discussions break outs for future meetings. a. Streateries: Haug —follow up about streateries. Merrick — 4t" Ave cultural corridor could be helpful to move forward streateries and public space objective. K. Harris — Interested in exploring ways that using public spaces can add to the Edmonds experience. Hamilton — Streateries could continue to be a feature downtown. Paine — utilizing our usable public areas can help to create neighborhood destinations and help the city better define experiences which might support subarea planning. Hughes — interested in keeping the topic focused more broadly around utilizing public spaces for engagement — not just downtown streateries. Have discussion topic "leveraging DRAFT Meeting Summary Economic Development Commission January 19, 2022 Page 1 best parts of walkable main" planned for discussion. b. Parking: Haug —follow up about parking, want to capture ideas. Hulbert —would like to explore and forward solutions for parking. Hughes — will include this topic as a breakout discussion for future meeting. c. Unocal Property: Haug — on the idea list, ok to wait to discuss in breakout 6. Discussion: Economic Development Idea Heatmap w/ Breakout Discussions Three breakout groups were created; summarized notes are included in Attachment A -Economic Development Ideas document and in detail below. This document will be attached to the EDC monthly meeting summary going forward as a way to provide a current copy to all commissioners, make it visible to the public, councilmembers and mayor. Additionally, the commission will work on a strategy to create a discussion and feedback loop with the Council and Mayor to help guide our work. 1: Hwy 99: City facilities and activities along renewal zone (Haug, Hughes) - New look at the 99 corridor amenities and offerings - City Services that matter to residents living in the area - Transportation Issues Describe the Idea — what would it look like if realized? 5/10/20 years A vibrant live -work -play neighborhood. Discuss Goals/Objectives of the Idea — list top two or three objectives of the Idea. Why would this benefit Edmonds and our citizens? Support and expand business growth/new businesses in the area. Create city presence/access to services in the area. Create a neighborhood vibe that attracts visitors (shopping, living, recreation) List the steps, actions or tasks that might need to be accomplished Roundtable/open house events of residents living in area, potential visitors to area - Need multiple locations, times, polling, mechanisms for feedback - Use 5 corners study as a model and pull ideas Strengthen support to business community Engage experts who live in the area Evaluate city services which could be provided and fund (building and people) — exploring non- traditional office hours 2: Food truck/vendor spaces in unused lots/locations (A Harris, Sittauer, Urban, Hamilton, K. Harris, Pence) Vision: • Create a vibrant food -truck culture and reputation in Edmonds that: • Appropriately supplants unused space (on a temporary or longer -term basis, depending on many factors) • Complements events and/or resident or visitor experience • Helps contribute to 'livability' in areas of Edmonds outside of the downtown core • Complements the waterfront • Doesn't 'compete' with existing restaurants • Provides affordable dining options Goals/Objectives: • Create pockets of econ dvpt in areas that are lacking • E.g., Firdale has one restaurant • Activity via mini -events (small arts & crafts fairs) or food trucks/ice cream truck DRAFT Meeting Summary Economic Development Commission January 19, 2022 Page 2 • Create reliable, sustainable outside food options: Marina Beach, dog park, car wash, other potential sites • Hospital district options, since one of Edmonds' largest employers only offers hospital cafeteria as a convenient option • Give smaller biz/entrepreneurs a chance to participate • Complement/help promote local events/activities • E.g., soccer tournaments, around high schools • Provide outside dining options for larger Edmonds events • Make non-DT neighborhoods more desirable/more unique • Contribute to walkability/promote community health • Give teens/youth something more affordable to spend time/hang out • Portland model • Bathrooms available, common seating/picnic tables, parking lot of tavern (serves beer out the window to vendors/customers) • Good interim use of property/commercial zone to attract biz to city • Olympia model • Used vacant lot (decommissioned gas station) downtown, four 'regular' food trucks in place, very successful, no restaurants nearby. • Partnership opportunities with taverns, other complementary businesses supporting each other Draft Steps: • Evaluate: Current food truck inventory and city ordinance restrictions • List of vacant lots (Used to have from way back — Greg to check and will ask Megan if she has older list) and other potential sites • Talk to Scotty's/Shubert Ho re: barriers/restrictions • Interview: why did Shubert get rid of his food truck? • Talk to non -Edmonds operators • What opportunities/barriers are perceived re: coming into Edmonds? • Speak with food trucks who come regularly to Edmonds events • What new type of creative models might make their P&L work? 3: Leverage best parts of Walkable Mainstreet (Hulbert, Merrick, Merriman, Paine) Things that were liked about Walkable Main Street: 1. Scott Merrick — Liked the "cultural corridor" for incorporated multi -cultural aspects to the event. While many activities are "in the bowl", bringing in vendors from the larger are of Edmonds widens the activities to include vendors from outside the downtown core. 2. Carrie Hulbert — Would like to see the use of open spaces for events and festivals. 3. Susan Paine — Likes the idea of walkable spaces to enjoy, especially long the Highway 99 corridor. Susan would like to see us develop activities in this area. The breakout group further discussed the best part of the event being the sense of community and social connection. The comment was made regarding events bringing people out of the local neighborhoods to catch up with neighbors and friends who they may not interact with as much. Best parts: 1. Multicultural events to celebrate Edmond's diversity. 2. Structure the events to enhance socialization in all areas of the City. DRAFT Meeting Summary Economic Development Commission January 19, 2022 Page 3 7. City Update: Director Merriman is getting settled in new role and looking forward to working on city projects. 8. Liaison Updates a. City Council (Susan Paine) The City's Parks and Recreation Open Space (PROS) draft plan has been released and is available for public review and comment. https://edmondswa.gov/government/departments/parks recreation cultural services/plannin g prolects b. Port of Edmonds (Angela Harris) No update. c. Chamber of Commerce (Greg Urban) Working on 4t" of July plans, civic field isn't available as the fireworks launch location because of the construction so considering water launch. d. Planning Board (Roger Pence) No update. 9. Roundtable Discussion: Hulbert: shared the downtown merchants Love Lists will be coming out to feature special items from shops downtown and a Lunar New Year celebration on the 29t" will take place at the winter market. 10. Adjourn at 8:05 p.m. Next regular meeting: February 16, 2022, 6 PM location Zoom DRAFT Meeting Summary Economic Development Commission January 19, 2022 Page 4 ATTACHMENT A ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IDEA PIPELINE AND IDEA EXPANSION The EDC first developed this idea list during a 2020 retreat. Ideas added to this list can come from individual commissioners, committees, the public or recommendations from City Council Members or the Mayor. Document update: January 19, 2022 ATTACHMENT A The EDC first developed an idea list during the 2020 retreat. Ideas added to the list can come from individual commissioners, committees, the public or recommendations from City Council Members or the Mayor. Idea Name Idea Description Status Edit Date Neighborhood Brand Create an over -arching Edmonds brand with sub -brands Draft 11/17/21 Development for neighborhood business districts to communicate the different qualities of each giving each district a unique sense of place. Tourism Finding strategies for attracting visitors through non- Draft 11/17/21 traditional arrivals foot ferry, bus, sounder, light rail Entertainment Children's museum and recreational opportunities Draft 11/17/21 Green Green Tourism/Green Business Parking Parking Solutions Neighborhood Vitality Develop vision for economic vitality across all areas/neighborhoods in Edmonds Hwy 99 Support city facilities and activities along uptown areas and Draft 1/19/22 hwy 99 renewal zone Innovative Food Food Truck and Vendor Pop Up Spaces in unused Draft 1/19/22 lots/locations Business Development Promoting small business expansion along hwy 99 and International District Walkable City Concepts Leverage best parts of walkable main street Draft 1/19/22 Ferry Traffic Reservation System Neighborhood —Ferry HealthTech Corridor Development Development Neighborhood Downtown Preservation District Development Neighborhood Consider form based development code for business Development districts — Perrinville, Firdale, HealthTech Corridor, 5- Corners Shuttle Explore mobility options between different areas of Edmonds shuttle, ebikes, trolley) Business Development Attracting corporate satellite workspaces IDEA DEVELOPMENT Neighborhood Brand Development and Marketing Goals/Objectives: This concept is to create an overarching Edmonds brand along with sub -brands for neighborhood business districts that communicate the different qualities of each, giving each district a unique sense of place. The primary focus will be on the business community, though the residents will be included as stakeholders. This will help to: 1. Attract more businesses to all areas of Edmonds Strengthen the sense of community in all the neighborhood districts Create/enhance the business communities that exist, highlighting the strengths of the different areas Steps: 1. Identify neighborhood districts to focus on 2. Identify community leaders that live or work in each neighborhood district to help drive the process (potentially council members) 3. Engage with the community to find out what they think defines their district 4. Design a solution, potentially with a brand agency or consultant Working Assumptions: Since Downtown Edmonds & Waterfront receive the majority of visitors it will be the hub, driving awareness and visits to other areas of town in various ways TBD The focus is on economic development of each neighborhood business district Tourism Visitor Attraction Through Non -Traditional Arrivals Goals/Objectives: The city can help support greater demand for whale watching at the Port by taking greater advantage of the Destination/Port of Edmonds program and additional creative city support. Bruce noted that currently 50% of whale watchers arrive via public transport. Vision of success: see #2 below. Ramp up to an additional 5,000 new visitors to Edmonds annually (by the end of 5 years). Incent/promote/entice those visitors to come downtown after their Puget Sound Express boat ride and 'experience Edmonds'. Benefit: additional services revenues Downtown plus additional Port Services/PSE revenues. 4. Physical connection between Port and Downtown: clear, fun path to walk; signage for directions to fountain (10 minute walk); Bruce noted that the Port should be willing to develop shuttle services to meet demand. Steps: 1. Evaluate scalability of Destination/Port of Edmonds program 2. Craft a 2 minute video to show on PSE boat trip when returning from trip 3. Disseminate new visitors guides (10K being printed) to PSE and port to help advertise Downtown services 4. Ask Port to step up to increased demand to provide transport services between Port and Downtown for those visitors who wish to be transported. 5. Develop incentives to entice folks Downtown — e.g., use ARPA funds to convert into Chamber bucks to pick up in person at the Chamber and use for services. (Check legality of Edmonds subsidy). 6. Federal infrastructure bill: what could Edmonds use $$ for in this regard? Direct or indirect? Make sidewalks/streets more accessible. Need to brainstorm. Note: Boutique hotel at Port would add an important dimension, increase Downtown shuttle demand and change this idea's framework/steps. Entertainment: Children's Museum and Recreation Develop a family -centric, year -around learning/play/exploration option for families of Edmonds and neighboring municipalities. Children's Museum would help Edmonds' reputation and increase options for being a "family friendly" city with family friendly entertainment options. Goals/Objectives: Edmonds would have an indoor option for families with young children to explore and play in a learning based environment (opportunities for education on cultures and diversity, science, environment, and other related activities. Indirect benefit to city: i. Revitalization of Highway 99 (making it more attractive to development and visitors) ii. Could it draw restaurants or other businesses to the area if family entertainment options are in the area? iii. Could location also target public park (e.g., zoning next to park location) Steps: 1. Study optimal operating structure (for profit or non-profit) 2. Capital requirement and revenue model. Does it pencil out in a city of our size? ii. Contact Edmonds investors to help understand feasibility and desire to contribute 3. Arts collaboration: Could Children's Museum partner with arts community? Example — Arts "pass" at other museums or art options includes an annual pass to the children's museum 4. Identify location: Highway 99 or Firdale if redeveloped/Does Edmonds make sense or would Lynnwood/North Shoreline/MTL be more suitable? a. Identify City involvement? Zoning b. Create public awareness, interest, and community engagement iii. EDC create model (business/non-profit plan) Q: Is there enough young families to support children's museum in city of our size c. City campaign to get private interest (e.g., advertising non-profit board) - City could waive or reduce development fees (if non-profit) Contacting Seattle/Everett and other successful museums — would they be willing to either educate EDC on business model or partner (e.g., satellite). a. Pop-up locations at Waterfront Center b. Connected/partnering with other ventures (example — Seattle Ferris wheel being near aquarium, etc.) Brainstorming ideas for Children's Museum or related indoor entertainment option (bowling, swimming, "Fantasia 2.0"). a. More reliable and year -around swimming options b. Outdoor music gazebo (an example is Shoreline near City Hall). City Park? Yost Park? Weekend children's art events (Waterfront center) c. Creative district endeavors and collaboration with the creative district. d. Larger vision around general children's experience in Edmonds. e. Multiple options in varying districts (allowing different entertainment options in different districts) f. Marsh restoration (education on environnment, salmon, children -focused educational experience, etc.) g. Seasonality —creating year -around options 7. Could the library be moved, and the current library building be repurposed for a children's museum? Hwy 99: City facilities and activities along renewal zone A vibrant live -work -play neighborhood. New look at the 99 corridor amenities and offering city services that matter to residents living in the area Goals/Objectives: Creating a hub of access to city services and city facilities will support and expand business growth/new businesses in the area. It will create city presence/access to services in the area and make services more accessible to a broader population of residents. It will create a neighborhood vibe that attracts visitors (shopping, living, recreation). Steps: 1. Roundtable/open house events of residents living in area, potential visitors to area a. Need multiple locations, times, polling, mechanisms for feedback b. Use 5 corners study as a model and pull ideas 2. Strengthen support to business community 3. Engage experts who live in the area 4. Evaluate city services which could be provided and fund (building and people) — exploring non-traditional office hours Walkable City Concepts Using public space to create a sense of community and social connection. Creating events to bringing people out of the local neighborhoods into a central location to connect with others. Goals: 1. Creating a "cultural corridor" for incorporated multi -cultural aspects to the event. While many activities are "in the bowl", bringing in vendors from the larger area of Edmonds widens the activities to include vendors from outside the downtown core. 2. Using open spaces for events and festivals. 3. Creating walkable spaces for the public to especially along the Highway 99 corridor. 4. Multicultural events to celebrate Edmonds' diversity. 5. Structure the events to enhance socialization in all areas of the city. Food Truck and Vendor Pop Up Spaces Create a vibrant food -truck culture and reputation in Edmonds that: 1. Appropriately supplants unused space (on a temporary or longer -term basis, depending on many factors) 2. Complements events and/or resident or visitor experience 3. Helps contribute to 'livability' in areas of Edmonds outside of the downtown core 4. Complements the waterfront 5. Doesn't 'compete' with existing restaurants 6. Provides affordable dining options Goals/Objectives: 1. Create pockets of econ dvpt in areas that are lacking • E.g., Firdale has one restaurant • Activity via mini -events (small arts & crafts fairs) or food trucks/ice cream truck • Create reliable, sustainable outside food options: Marina Beach, dog park, car wash, other potential sites • Hospital district options, since one of Edmonds' largest employers only offers hospital cafeteria as a convenient option 2. Give smaller biz/entrepreneurs a chance to participate 3. Complement/help promote local events/activities • E.g., soccer tournaments, around high schools • Provide outside dining options for larger Edmonds events 4. Make non-DT neighborhoods more desirable/more unique • Contribute to walkability/promote community health 5. Give teens/youth something more affordable to spend time/hang out 6. Portland model • Bathrooms available, common seating/picnic tables, parking lot of tavern (serves beer out the window to vendors/customers) • Good interim use of property/commercial zone to attract biz to city 7. Olympia model • Used vacant lot (decommissioned gas station) downtown, four 'regular' food trucks in place, very successful, no restaurants nearby. 8. Partnership opportunities with taverns, other complementary businesses supporting each other Steps: 1. Evaluate: Current food truck inventory and city ordinance restrictions 2. List of vacant lots (Used to have from way back — Greg to check and will ask Megan if she has older list) and other potential sites 3. Talk to Scotty's/Shubert Ho re: barriers/restrictions • Interview: why did Shubert get rid of his food truck? 4. Talk to non -Edmonds operators • What opportunities/barriers are perceived re: coming into Edmonds? • Speak with food trucks who come regularly to Edmonds events • What new type of creative models might make their P&L work?