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

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8.A. - Page 11 of 56 6. The economic development manager should schedule semi-annual meetings of organizations and groups involved in Downtown events and programs to coordinate efforts to implement the Downtown Retail Plan. Analysis: Three organizations are involved in different ways in Downtown issues. They include the Downtown Business Group, Redwood City Chamber of Commerce, and the Redwood City Improvement Association. Successful implementation of the Downtown Retail Plan will require the support of these groups and alignment with their goals, objectives and their program implementation efforts. Implementation of the Downtown Retail Plan should also be coordinated closely with other City departments that are involved with activities, events and projects in the Downtown; continuous outreach and communication with Downtown businesses is critical to sustaining their viability and success. 2 This draft Retail Action Plan was reviewed by members of the Downtown Business Group (DBG), Downtown Retail Task Force, the Redwood City Chamber of Commerce, and the Redwood City Improvement Association (RCIA) for comment and additional suggestions in advance of the City Council's review. Recommendations: 1) The economic development manager should convene semi-annual meetings of representatives of these groups to review outcomes and results of implementing the plan and determine ways to align and leverage funding and resources. 2) The City's economic development manager should act as the point of contact for responding to any Downtown retail opportunities or inquiries. Note: Recommendations #1 and #2 are included in the economic development manager's 2019-20 work program. 7. Update retail market information on a timely basis. Analysis: See analysis for Task #4. Recommendations: See recommendation for Task #4: The economic development manager should update retail market information for the Downtown on a regular basis. Information should include current vacant spaces, new retail/restaurant tenants, changes in City policies that may affect the attraction and retention of retailer small businesses in the Downtown. This data should be made available on the City's web site. III. Downtown Retail Policy Considerations The following policy considerations were recommended by the Downtown Retail Task Force and presented to the City Council on January 28, 2019. Council directed staff to complete further research and analysis on the policy considerations listed below. Policy considerations recommended z A great example is this fall the City will launch the Downtown Streets Team Program that will engage homeless individuals to provide cleaning of areas of the Downtown. This effort will help maintain an attractive Downtown for visitors, workers and residents. 231