AgdaPkt 2019-10-14 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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8.A. - Page 5 of 56 On September 24, 2019, staff presented a summary of the Draft Retail Action Plan recommendations to members of the Redwood City -San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce, Redwood City Improvement Association board members, business owners, property owners and Downtown developers. Feedback received included a concern about not allowing banks on key corners of the Downtown, having designated parking areas for ride sharing drop-off and pick-ups, and beginning community outreach, design and construction of Broadway streetscape and sidewalk replacement project (RCIA has set aside $300,000 to match the City's contribution for the initial work). Staff will review options for moving forward with the sidewalk replacement. Additionally, RCIA members were open to exploring a potential funding program in collaboration with the City for a business sign and facade improvement program. Downtown Stakeholder Partnerships Successful implementation of the Retail Action Plan and policies will also require alignment, coordination and collaboration with City departments involved in programs, events and activities in the Downtown. Implementation will also need the support and leveraging of resources from stakeholder groups such as the Downtown Business Group, the Redwood City -San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce, and the Redwood City Improvement Association. All of these partners have an important role in strengthening the retail vitality of the Downtown. Conclusion There is no magic formula for revitalizing retail in a downtown. Results may take as long ten to fifteen years to realize; at the same time, the retail environment continues to evolve in response to changes in shopper preferences and demographics. As with past redevelopment efforts in the Downtown, the plan for strengthening retail will require consistent implementation of policies and the work program aided by the continuation of a robust economy. Staff requests that the City Council provide feedback and direction regarding the policy recommendations within the Downtown Retail Action Plan. Many of the work program tasks are already underway as part of the Economic Development Work Program approved by the City Council on May 6. 2019. Further study and shaping of the policies adopted by the City Council may take up to twenty-four months to complete depending on the complexity of the policy and the workload of City staff that need to be involved in the process. FISCAL IMPACT The City Council has approved a budget of $100,000 for implementation of the City's retail strategy. To date, $16,000 has been spent on facilitation and meeting expenses for the Downtown Retail Task Force and $50,000 has been encumbered for consulting services. City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.ore 225