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?