2016-04-14 Economic Development Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
April 14, 2016
The Economic Development Commission meeting was called to order at 6:03 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
George Bennett
Mary Monroe
Stephen Clifton
Aseem Prakash
Jamie Reece
Matthew Waldron
Darrol Haug
Michael Schindler
Neil Tibbott, Councilmember, ex officio
Bruce Faires, Port Commissioner, ex officio
Nathan Monroe, Planning Board, ex officio
Greg Urban, Edmonds Chamber, ex officio
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
Nicole Hughes
STAFF PRESENT
Patrick Doherty, ED/CS Director
Cindi Cruz, ED/CS Program Coordinator
1. Approval of 3/30/16 EDC minutes. Jamie moved to accept minutes as written, Stephen
seconded; motion passed.
2. Amendments and approval of agenda. There was a brief discussion on this evening's goals.
3. Audience comments (3 minute limit per person). None.
4. Review former EDC suggested priorities for new EDC. Refer to document from the prior EDC
prepared on 12/16/15. Darrol provided an updated document dated 12/18/16. Patrick asked that
the commission take a few minutes to review the document titled: Citizens Economic
Development Commission revised December 18, 2015. Discussion: How do we meet GMA
goals — housing, accommodate increased population, affordable housing. Where do you expand?
Provide housing choices, diversity in prices, rather than meeting capacity but plan for future
beyond GMA expectations. Create walkable, affordable, neighborhoods, 5-Corners, Westgate.
Refer to comp plan assumptions on development and planning for increased population.
Questions asked: Where does increased population go? What is the end goal of the commission?
Review Council priorities for 2016 retreat. Discussion followed on the Council's priorities as
expressed at their 2016 retreat: Long Range Financial Plan — work group has been created;
Annexation/Esperance — not a whole lot of economic development potential except for a small
amount along the Hwy 99 portion; Strategic Action Plan; (what are citizens going to get behind);
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Economic Development Commission
April 14, 2016
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5-Corners, affordable housing, think tank potential; near term and long term; gather information;
land use/development code updates; height issue; zoning issues.
Question asked about Harbor Square, it was explained there was a proposal by the Port to amend
Comp Plan several years ago but was not approved/accepted by City Council.
Patrick described the process regarding the Hwy 99 subarea planning process and the future open
houses that will be happening.
Review goals and policies from Comprehensive Plan Economic Development Element. Page
100 (Employment) (2nd paragraph) indicates people with higher paying jobs have to travel
elsewhere and people working in Edmonds cannot afford to live in Edmonds. How do we want to
see Edmonds grow based on this imbalance? Page 108 — SWOT analysis synopsis. Page 111
Economic Development Goals & Policies: brief overview of highlights: Goals A, B, C, D, & E.
Educate community about value of economic development. Question about incentives — they are
not allowed in the state of WA. Hwy 99 proposal of property tax exemption incentive? Must
include a residential component. Without increased economic development budget will be
dependent on residential property tax.
6. Brainstorming exercises: Measuring metrics of quality of life -
Small Group Exercise — what would you consider markers of success in 3 years? Broke into 3
groups
Group 1 (Ex Officio Members: Bruce, Greg, Neil, Nathan) 3 economic development projects
identified for Hwy 99 corridor, 5 Corners land use revision approved, crummy hotel blighted
on Hwy 99, Firdale Village development impediments removed, tourism revenue increased,
Main Street between 2nd and 4th redevelopment.
Group 2 (Stephen, George, Darrol, Mary) — increasing housing stock and affordability,
completion of Hwy 99 plan and 5 Corners subarea plan, successful recruitment of mid & high
tech firms 5-10 employees above median salaries, focus on comprehensive tourism strategy,
strengthen arts community ECA, CAM, attract boutique hotel, reevaluate Edmonds Crossing
alternatives moving traffic across the City.
Group 3 (Aseem, Matt, Jamie, Mike) — Vertical space changes, port and Hwy 99. Height is
not the devil. Attracting key employers 500+ jobs
Similarities between groups — key employer recruitment, 5 Corners, Highway 99, tourism
revenues increased.
a. Joint Group Exercise — based on reviewed materials or new input, in what areas would the
EDC like to focus its work over the rest of this year? Each small group's ideas were written
on white sheets, then the group consolidated ideas into a final draft list of 10 ideas (summary
attached).
7. Other business and/or administrative matters.
At next meeting we will review and discuss SAP plan and the Economic Development
Commission items. Asked Darrol and Stephen to lead the discussion at the May 18 meeting
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because Patrick will be on vacation. At June 15 meeting discuss Council presentation at a date to
be determined. Potentially be ready to pick a chair at May meeting. Neil would like a summary of
revenue for City automobile sales, contractor income.
8. Adj ourn at 8:01
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Economic Development Commission
April 14, 2016
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