Councilors reviewed the strategic priority of economic vitality and asked staff for more targeted outreach to and support for small businesses, clearer objectives for redevelopment, and better data on transit use and its ties to employment.

Councilors recommended several concrete steps: expand business outreach (annual check‑ins, BizWalks and a monthly e‑newsletter were highlighted), create grant or improvement programs for small businesses, gather and publish data on local transit use (how many residents use buses, trains and bike facilities), and develop third‑space programming and events to draw visitors. Staff described existing programs: a business newsletter, BizWalks, workshops with SBDC, and an upcoming series of PRL and economic development initiatives.

On redevelopment, planning staff said the city is shifting roles to support redevelopment projects with ombudsman‑style guidance, fee assessments and partnerships that preserve quality standards while facilitating reinvestment. Councilors stressed the need to prepare the public for redevelopment and to manage transitions that may affect existing neighborhoods.

Transit drew mixed comments: some councilors asked for data on actual ridership to gauge return on investment; others emphasized transit’s role for residents who cannot afford cars. Staff said work continues to advocate for stronger transit service at Westminster Station and for downtown connections.

What’s next: staff to provide metrics on business outreach and transit ridership, examples of redevelopment assistance programs, and options for small‑business improvement grants and event‑based revenue ideas.