During a recent government meeting, the Brookfield Board of Trustees reached a consensus on two significant initiatives aimed at enhancing local economic development and regulating mobile food vendors.

The board expressed strong support for a proposed temporary retail incubator program designed to foster small businesses within the village. Economic Development Coordinator Libby Popovic presented a detailed plan for the initiative, which will feature small retail sheds located at Progress Park. The site, leased from the Bank of Brookfield for a nominal fee, is expected to accommodate six to seven sheds, each approximately 15 by 15 feet. The program aims to provide a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, allowing them to test their business concepts in a low-risk setting.

The project is structured in three phases, with an estimated budget of $85,000, excluding potential sponsorships. The first phase involves finalizing the site and budget, with construction anticipated to begin by January. The program will include educational workshops for participants, focusing on business planning and operational logistics. The board hopes to have the shops operational by mid-June, with plans for rotating cohorts of vendors to keep the offerings fresh and engaging.

In addition to the incubator program, the board discussed regulations for mobile food vendors, which have seen an increase in popularity since the implementation of a licensing ordinance in February 2023. The proposed regulation would establish a 100-foot buffer zone preventing food trucks from parking directly in front of brick-and-mortar restaurants. This measure aims to protect local businesses while still allowing food vendors to operate in the village. The board is considering exceptions for special events, ensuring that food trucks can still participate in community gatherings without undermining existing restaurants.

The board plans to finalize the mobile vendor regulations by the next meeting, with an immediate implementation upon approval. This proactive approach reflects the board's commitment to balancing the interests of both mobile vendors and established businesses, fostering a vibrant and diverse economic landscape in Brookfield.