City staff reported progress on several economic development and housing initiatives and briefed the Lindsay City Council on preliminary outreach to potential employers, staff said during the meeting.

Staff updates included second-round interviews for a recreation coordinator and ongoing interviews for a public works director. Staff said they have engaged a grant writer to research funding opportunities and that the grant-writer team will present findings and a possible formal proposal to the city in coming weeks.

Downtown and transportation funding: staff said they have discussed downtown revitalization with the Chamber of Commerce and an economic development committee; staff also reported a recent discussion indicating a possible $2,000,000 in additional funds for sidewalks and transportation improvements that would support bike lanes and pedestrian projects. Staff cautioned that the funds were subject to further approval by the broader funding board and discussions were ongoing.

Housing programs and planning: staff said the city is no longer listed in a prior status (described in the transcript as being “taken off an address for HCE”), which staff said allows the city to access certain housing rehabilitation programs and first-time homebuyer loans. Staff described a proposal to develop a set of preapproved accessory dwelling unit (ADU) designs ("granny flat" plans) so residents could use standard preapproved plans and expedite permitting if they lack funds or design services; staff said this approach has been used by other cities to speed housing additions.

Economic development: staff said the county economic health team told them a large employer—described as a food-processing operation—has been looking at the area and may require 300,000+ square feet; staff said site availability and utilities could be prioritized if the employer proceeds. Staff characterized that outreach as preliminary and confidential; no formal commitments were described.

Other items: staff reported meetings with regional partners on violence-prevention partnerships, noted upcoming conferences and community fundraising events, and mentioned that the Prime Water Authority had discussed having the city become a member (staff said that process would require council consent and an item from the city council). Staff also thanked departments for responsiveness on issues such as painting schools and addressing abandoned or derelict vehicles.

Ending: staff said many items are in early stages and follow-up reports or proposals were expected; the transcript shows no formal council votes or policy adoptions on these matters during the recorded remarks.