RDA Min 1996-05-22 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

I I I II Jack Greenalch, former Councilman and member of the Economic Subcommittee of the Chamber of Commerce, described the very comprehensive report and pointed out that certain decisions had been made during its compilation: what to pursue, what to - drop, what criteria to establish, and added that the Agency Board would have to make further decisions after studying the entire report. Councilman Greenalch advised that planning for economic development was essential, not only are other communities embarking on this course of action, but "some things can happen if we don't (plan) and other people do." Councilman Greenalch said "we need to do the following: we need to work in a more planned manner at business attraction and retention; we need to develop a more streamlined permit process in the City; we need to expand our facade improvement program; we need an expanded Internet page; we need an ombudsperson to keep businesses and large developments in Redwood City; we need to continue partnering with the Chamber of Commerce; and we need at least one full- time economic development staff member." Councilman Greenalch said the purposes of the recommended economic plan or goals were: "demonstrate Redwood City's commitment to economic development; enhance Redwood City's appeal to target industry businesses as well as other businesses; retain and facilitate the growth of existing target industry businesses in Redwood City; increase the City's revenue base; improve the city's customer service orientation; and revitalization of the City's downtown retail core." Councilman Greenalch said the committee was recommending a series of strategies, - action plans and programs designed to increase revenues and jobs in Redwood City, and position the City to attract new businesses. He said "the single most important factor the survey had found when people are making decisions as to where they will locate or not locate their business is the City's attitude toward business." Councilman Greenalch said each recommendation was rooted in the objective data obtained by the firm SKMG, Amy Herman, consultant. He said one example of a strategy recommended by the Committee was to participate in the development and implementation of an auto mall. Councilman Greenalch cited the following example of an action being recommended by the Committee: when a new business comes to the City, one staff person would be assigned as the account manager for that particular business. Councilman Ruskin, Council representative and member of the Economic Development Committee, said he was proud and pleased to be associated with the Committee and he had a been a member before he was elected to the Council. Councilman Ruskin said fewer things are more important to a city than its economic vitality. "The strength of a City's economy truly determines how well we are going to be able to take care and provide for the residents of our city,...the quality and level of police and fire services, how up-to-date the infra structure is, how well maintained the environment is, and how adequate the recreation and other services are that we provide for youth, families and seniors." Councilman Ruskin said "that in order to - Special Redevelopment Agency Meeting Minutes MINUTE BOOK NO.1 May 22, 1996 Page No. 303 Page 3