The Economic Development Subcommittee voted to approve the December draft of the city’s second quarterly economic development report (covering data from August through November 2025) for publication online, following staff recommendations from Economic Development Program Analyst Rachel Beer.

Rachel Beer told the subcommittee the December draft includes updated data and new sections — a local macroeconomic recap informed by contracted economist Dr. Robert Eiler, the city’s target industries report, and arts/culture and special‑events metrics. She recommended the draft be published online; Chair Greg Reppke and committee members indicated support for approval.

Staff also summarized implementation plan progress across four categories: business growth and retention (virtual 1‑stop shop contracting with Cyril Creative, ongoing site visits, broker forums), entrepreneurship and small business supports (Small Business Development Center coordination, intern program), economic vibrancy/resiliency (downtown housing infill study closed out, market analysis for stadium opportunity), and community investment (annual survey, downtown EIFD established).

On planning, Deputy Director Jessica Jones described a proposed streamlining of the conditional‑use permit (CUP) process to create director‑level review for lower‑impact cases and to reform temporary‑use permits to better enable pop‑up retail and interim uses (current drafts allow temporary uses up to three years in some cases). Jones said staff is drafting an ordinance and expects to circulate a community draft with public outreach and a planned planning‑commission/council timeline in early to mid‑2026.

Downtown activation updates included a Ross Street pilot program under continued vetting (possible spring/summer street closure) and a commercial renter program to train new entrepreneurs on leasing, permits and tenant improvements; staff intends to contract a program administrator in 2026. The city reported Asawa art panels have progressed through foundry work and that community discussions are ongoing about placement to balance visibility and event staging; the Asawa family told staff they favor community‑oriented display rather than strict placement on a fountain if that would limit public viewing during frequent events.

Other updates: five sensory freestanding play panels have been installed southwest of Courthouse Square as a pilot; the business concierge portal has had a soft launch with several businesses signed up and a target hard launch aligned with a February virtual 1‑stop shop rollout; arts initiatives include an Art Walk (opened Nov. 1), an open national call for artists through Jan. 15 and a film sizzle reel and Santa Rosa Film Mixer planned for Feb. 27.

Council members asked for future follow‑up showing how Eiler’s analyses will translate into staff recommendations and noted interest in finding a pathway to legitimize street vendors while addressing environmental and public‑health concerns such as grease disposal.

The meeting adjourned at 10:29 a.m.