2023-02-15 Economic Development Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING
February 18, 2023
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
Nicole Hughes, Chair
Kevin Harris, Vice Chair
Darrol Haug
Jay Hoag
Kevin Smith
Keith Hamilton
Carrie Hulbert
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
Vacant Seat -Mayor Appointment
Vacant Seat-Teitzel Appointment
Kate Nolan — Student Representative
LIAISONS PRESENT:
Vivian Olson, Councilmember, ex-officio
David Preston, Port Commissioner, ex-officio
LIAISONS ABSENT:
Vacant — Planning Board, ex-officio
Ryan Crowther, Edmonds Chamber, ex-officio
GUEST:
None.
STAFF PRESENT:
Todd Tatum, Director CS/ED
Megan Luttrell, Program Coordinator CS/ED
Economic Development Commission meeting conducted via ZOOM and called to order by Nicole Hughes
at 6:08 p.m.
Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement
1. Roll Call and Recognition of Approved Absences: David Kaufer and Kate Nolan are both excused
absences.
2. Approval of Agenda: Kevin Smith moved to approve the agenda; Darrol seconded; motion passed.
Amending Item No. 7 to City Economic Development Work, Jay motioned to approve, Kevin Smith
seconded, motion passed.
3. Approval of January 18, 2023, Meeting Summary: Jay moved to approve the meeting summary;
Carrie seconded; motion passed.
4. Audience Comments: None.
S. Discussion: Council Member Spotlight: Jenna was not able to attend. She will be invited back to a
future meeting.
6. Discussion: Micromobility: Nicole explains that this discussion was brought back for discussion. Susan
Paine shared an article after the last discussion that highlighted economic impacts, equitability
impacts. The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) is referenced in the article
and shared statistics of the impacts. In Carrie's perspective, it's only a matter of time before
micromobility will come to our City and it's important to prepare for the transition. It's challenging to
ride a bike downtown now, how can that experience be improved. Keith makes the point the goals
need to be outlined. Is it to get folks around downtown or connect to the light rail? He suggests the
Commission could develop goals and objectives. Kevin H. asks what problem are we trying to solve.
Carrie adds that this would make downtown more accessible and easier to use. Kevin Smith asks, how
are we getting people here? Are they driving downtown and then riding the bike to get around
downtown? Carrie mentions incentivizing electric bike purchases. Nicole highlights that there are a
lot of models out there with other cities. If we are in front of planning for micromobility, it could be
Meeting Summary
Economic Development Commission
February 15, 2023
Page 1
lucrative for the City. Jay asks, how far will a person go on a bike. He doesn't like the idea of bikes and
scooters sitting on the corners, he'd like this to be well organized. Dave Preston mentions, what
happens when people are ripping the scooters or bikes on the sidewalks. Nicole mentions that there
are logistics that will need to be addressed. Carrie mentions that focus doesn't need to be on a share
bike, the focus could be on the accessibility and how people get around Edmonds on bikes or scooters.
She also points out, as new businesses open, for example the Commons, parking could become an
even bigger issue. Darrol adds, the older demographic is calculating when they travel downtown,
based on when parking will be most accessible. Perhaps smaller vehicles or shuttle services could be
successful a concept here because of limited parking space. The reason to come downtown is
increasing. Kevin H. summarizes what Darrol said , how do we make traveling to the business districts
more convenient. David Preston points out that retail staying open later could improve parking
experience. Darrol suggests paid parking incentives based on car size or carpool size. Todd mentions
partnering with Community Transit for some of their innovative ways of in-between transit. Kevin H.
mentions looping in the Creative District or the Arts Commission. Todd explains that the Creative
District has discussed how to make the arts more accessible to the community. The events downtown
are ideal for a shuttle system. Kevin H. would like to find out how the other business districts feel
about events. David P. mentions that Salish Brewing is planning several events at the masonic temple
and with the Lynnwood transportation growth, connection could be critical for not only public events
but also private. Darrol mentions an interesting Seattle Times article about everything walkable within
15 minutes. He also mentions the Council increased parking permit fees. Nicole summarizes that there
is a need to see what shared mobility looks like across our City; how are people getting around town.
7. Que..,:ew/ update of remp Plan time".,e: City Economic Development Work: Todd explains that his
department is working on the Visit Edmonds website and social media. There is a new team in place
and he's working through a positioning framework and working to achieve a tighter brand strategy to
have a clearer voice. The Creative District recertification is underway and working through what this
looks like. March at the Creative District Advisory Committee Retreat there will be work sorting
through a new 5-year work plan. The goals will be reviewed and updated. Edmonds is a great example
of a creative economy. How do we support that here? How do we talk about it? Todd also shares that
ARPA funds have been instrumental in our community. Inflation has increased the need. There are
many folks in Edmonds that are struggling financially. He's wondering, as we move through the
Economic Development Element Update, how does this Commission consider the vulnerable folks in
the community. Kevin H. would like to learn the breadth around creative economy. He's excited about
a bigger discussion around this idea. Nicole asks if this leads to business growth. Todd will use his next
City Update educating on this topic. Todd mentions the Innovation and Entrepreneur program at
Edmonds College, there is partnership opportunity there. Vivian suggests partnering with Edmonds
College with Edmonds residents to sponsor college students by boarding them. Darrol asks about
Creative District grants and what types of grants have been awarded.
8. Liaison Updates:
a. City Council (Vivian Olson) Nicole welcomed back Vivian back as our Council Liaison. She's
excited to be back and feels the commission could be more effective if the City used the group's
skills.
b. Port of Edmonds (David Preston) suggests having Steve Johnson, Port Commissioner come
when discussing creative topics. The new admin building construction is moving along. The
Commission room will be open to the public. There may also be some retail in the street level.
The north boardwalk rebuild is still moving forward. Bob McChesney is retiring this spring.
Meeting Summary
Economic Development Commission
February 15, 2023
Page 2
7. Roundtable Discussion: Darrol, shares that he measured the water at king tide, atmospheric pressure
makes all the difference. Carrie, happy to see everyone in person. Kevin S., tried moto pizza it was great!
Jay, Super Bowl was good! Vivian shared the Connect Edmonds has been really great (on behalf of Ryan).
Keith, went to Pok Pok thai restaurant last night, it was good! Kevin H. walked by the Commons and is
really impressed with how it's shaping up. Nicole, would like to thank Susan for her time with the
Commission. She's collecting bios and has most of them.
10. Adjourn at 8:01 p.m.
Next meeting: March 15, 2023, 6 PM location Hybrid — Brackett Room & Zoom
Meeting Summary
Economic Development Commission
February 15, 2023
Page 3