2023-05-17 Economic Development Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEETING
May 17, 2023
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
Nicole Hughes, Chair
Kevin Harris, Vice Chair
Darrol Haug
Jay Hoag
Natalie Seitz
Matt Cox
Kate Nolan — Student Representative
LIAISONS PRESENT:
Vivian Olson, Councilmember, ex-officio
LIAISONS ABSENT:
David Preston, Port Commissioner, ex-officio
Ryan Crowther, Edmonds Chamber, ex-officio
Vacant — Planning Board, ex-officio
GUEST:
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None.
Vacant Seat -Mayor Appointment
Vacant Seat -Mayor Appointment STAFF PRESENT:
Kevin Smith - unexcused Todd Tatum, Director CS/ED
Megan Luttrell, Program Coordinator CS/ED
Economic Development Commission meeting called to order by Nicole Hughes at 6:05 p.m.
Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement
1. Roll Call and Recognition of Absences: Kevin Smith is absent due to a family conflict.
2. Approval of Agenda: Jay moved to approve the agenda; Darrol seconded; motion passed.
3. Approval of April 19, 2023, Meeting Summary: Megan mentioned that Keith's name should be
removed with that change Matt moved to approve the meeting summary; Jay seconded; motion
passed.
4. Audience Comments: None.
S. Council Spotlight: Jenna Nand: Jenna is not present. Nicole shared that we could fill this spot on the
agenda with anyone the group thinks could be valuable to the economic development conversation.
Reach out to Nicole with suggestions on future guests. Could be other elected officials, business
owners or other Board members or Commissioners.
Planning Board Liaison is in the Planning Departments hands at this point. Megan will follow up.
The Mayor has interviewed one candidate and is scheduled to interview the next tomorrow and could
confirm as early as June 6cn
6. Discussion: Council/EDC Revenue Discussion Debrief: Nicole asked for impressions from the group
on the interactions with Council. She has talked with Council President Tibbott for feedback. Natalie
felt it was quick, Jay agreed. Nicole shares that Council President Tibbott is interested in biennial
budgeting and budgeting by priority. He appreciates the comments that the EDC shared at the retreat.
Kevin H. noted that the purpose of their attendance was not clear. Darrol feels having a future
discussion, possibly with Neil, about how to move forward would be helpful. He adds the Commission
could give advice on how to engage the public. Natalie cautions that the public input needs to be
equitable across Edmonds rather than just downtown. Kevin H. suggests inviting Neil to come discuss
Meeting Summary
Economic Development Commission
May 17, 2023
Page 1
further with the group. Vivian agrees and Matt supports the idea. Todd adds that switching the
biennial budget; there is a heavy budget year when it's being developed and then the heavy workload
year. As we dive into the Economic Development Element update, there's an opportunity to identify
constraints and opportunities. It will lend to the group to be a part of the development of the plan
and be a true partner in the document. Natalie asks if there is an opportunity to share suggestions on
studies to position the document. Todd, say there will be, and he would appreciate the input. Darrol
highlights the need to elevate public engagement. Todd suggests putting together a timeline to
include the biennial budget. He will provide a timeline for the Economic Development Element
update. Darrol also adds to prioritize the capital program through the economic development lens.
Vivian adds that at the next Council meeting the budget timeline will be on the meeting agenda, and
there will be three meetings to seek public input. Matt echoes the need for timelines to develop a
workplan. Nicole will invite Council President Tibbott to the next meeting. Todd explains that the
intent is to lead the consultant, Vivian concurs with that notion. Kevin H. highlights the value of lived
experience and qualitative data from the public.
7. Discussion: Creative Economy Pt. 2: Todd shares a PowerPoint presentation with the group to share
what the Creative District is doing to build their next 5-year plan (see attached). Todd explains that
the geographical constraints are not a focus of the CD group; the CD is viewed as all of Edmonds.
There are discussions with ArtsWA, regarding the recertification and whether or not the current
geographic limits could be expanded. Jay adds that there are zoning constraints for some businesses.
Natalie points out that the revenue drivers are from Hwy 99. Matt points out that the presentation
lacked references to entrepreneurship and bringing new business to the City which could be outside
the border of the CD.
8. Discussion: Family, Child and Youth -Focused Businesses/Activities: Darrol shares the homework
documents that were provided last month. He explains that this conversation started between him
and Kevin Smith because on rainy days, Edmonds doesn't have a lot to offer for kid's entertainment,
he goes out of Edmonds to find indoor activities for them. Nicole adds that there are true destinations
outside of Edmonds and they can be a draw. Natalie shares that folks she talked with would go outside
of Edmonds to places like Arena Sports, Everett Children's Museum, pump it up, Alderwood Mall,
libraries (but currently not Edmonds). Nicole adds cost restraints can be problematic, but
memberships are desirable. Matt received feedback that the desire is to keep kids active. Kevin H.
suggests thinking about using existing facilities to activate this idea. Possibly use school gyms. Kate
adds that activities would be ideal for small kids, she suggests Holy Rosary gym as a possible location.
Natalie points out that these facilities are not on the east side of the city. Vivian suggests an ILA with
Mountlake Terrace to utilize their senior center. Nicole adds that this is not just about Edmonds
community but attracting neighboring communities. Natalie suggests engaging the Hwy 99
community by acknowledging the Plum Tree plaza arson and have an event for the reopening. Nicole
asks the group to keep the ideas noodling and there will continue to be space to comment on this.
9. Liaison Updates:
a. City Council (Vivian Olson) mentions the housing bills will have an economic impact. She also
mentions the drug use bills and the relevancy to the economy. The Arts Festival Foundation has
been discussing electric buses. Perhaps there could be partnership between different City
organizations.
b. Port of Edmonds (David Preston) Absent.
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Economic Development Commission
May 17, 2023
Page 2
c. Chamber of Commerce (Ryan Crowther) Absent.
7. Roundtable Discussion: Kate likes the idea of inclusivity and culture; she'd like to be apart of it. Darrol
is working with the school district on the possibility of a bond, they're recommending moving 61h grade to
middle school and universal preschool, it will be heavily discussed in future School Board meetings. Jay
volunteered at the Laugh-a-Thon, they raised $5,000 for the WISH Chamber program. Matt is really
enjoying the discussions on creative economy. Natalie thanked Kevin H. for touring the Hwy 99 area with
her. Kevin H., great meeting! Nicole, think about how to make some of what was talked about tonight
actionable, it could be a good time to report to Council.
10. Adjourn at 8:11 p.m.
Next meeting: June 21, 2023, 6 PM location Hybrid — Brackett Room & Zoom
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Economic Development Commission
May 17, 2023
Page 3
What is next in the workplan?
Guiding concepts/values for newly framed initiatives are:
Collaboration —City departments and businesses/nonprofits working
together, integrated projects
Hub and spoke model —inclusive, CD as catalyst but tied to other
parts/neighborhoods of city through connections with businesses
and organizations
Intentional Visibility— arts, culture and creativity permeates the
community, intentional creativity is a priority in program and projects
Area A - Strengthen and expand creative identity
Initiatives
1. Improve coordination and advocacy efforts
2. Create an asset map to identify creative resources/strengths/experiences in
Edmonds, both public and private
3. Improve marketing of Edmonds as a creative destination
Area B —Leverage and connect creative experiences (inside and outside
district) and implement capital project to highlight spaces for experiences
Initiatives
1. Facilitate internship and mentorship opportunities (enhances visibility of CD
outside downtown)
2. Improve efforts in activating spaces for creative experiences
3. Improve efforts to develop physical infrastructure for creative experiences
4. Develop a fundraising strategy for efforts in placemaking
Area C —Retain and attract creative businesses and nonprofits
Initiatives
1. Identify and address needs of creative businesses/nonprofits
2. Secure consistent funding/support for CD initiatives
3. Use collective marketing efforts to help the creative sector thrive