Committee hears update on economic-development strategic framework; members raise concerns about relocations and small-business impacts

Brenda, director of the City’s Department of Economic Development, presented an update on the department’s strategic framework and next steps for consultant selection and community engagement.

Staff said the framework will incorporate workforce strategies, performance metrics and community engagement and aims to conclude the planning phase in 2027 with implementation thereafter. The department reported it has conducted preliminary outreach with more than 20 participants and partner organizations and will hold additional briefings with the mayor and councilmembers.

Councilmembers focused discussion on the potential local impact of large employer relocations and how those changes could affect small businesses near campus or headquarters sites. One councilmember asked how the city will measure and mitigate losses to neighborhood cafes and small retailers if an anchor employer relocates. Another councilmember suggested incorporating community-benefit or contracting commitments into frameworks for major projects, including metrics on how many Ready to Work participants an incoming employer pledges to hire.

Councilmembers also discussed whether the strategic framework should include legislative outreach to state-level leaders to secure policy or funding changes, and they asked staff to identify industry-specific metrics and to expand stakeholder names and contacts for broader participation.

Staff said the consultants and community engagement process will include multiple opportunities for council and public input. The committee did not take formal action on the framework at this meeting; members requested a future update and further detail on economic impacts and possible policy levers.

The committee adjourned after the presentation and discussion.