pages: CityCouncil/2015-01-21.pdf, 18
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CityCouncil | 2015-01-21 | 18 | meeting; the issue is wanting to know how the four tasks in the referral [recommend policies and plans to the City Council for bringing businesses to Alameda and replacing jobs lost when the Navy left Alameda Point, work with current businesses and business associations to attract and retain businesses in Alameda, provide ways to coordinate with regional efforts to grow the local economy and Alameda's commercial tax base and perform other economic development activities at the direction of the City Council] are being performed; suggested the Economic Development Manager report back to Council to discuss the matter; suggested tabling the referral for now until Councils hear said report. Vice Mayor Matarrese stated that he might be open to the suggestion; in the past, the Commission had a litany of work and truly accomplished specific things requested by Council, such as the Downtown Plan for Park Street; the Commission had sufficient work; deficiencies at Alameda Point and Harbor Bay hinder business retention; business retention was a big part of the EDC; the Commission grappled with recruitment and retention, redevelopment was only a small piece; that he is willing to table the referral pending information, but would reserve the ability to bring the referral back with more justification. Councilmember Oddie stated that he is not ready to dismiss the idea which has merit; if Council voted today, he would probably support ways to have a productive EDC; Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft's examples are the what he envisions the EDC doing; each Councilmember probably knows a business person that would be ideal to help cheerlead for Alameda and attract business; if the Commission is reconstituted, each Councilmember should appointment a member; perhaps the Mayor would select three or five members; he is inclined to support the referral or continue it to another day. Councilmember Ezzy Ashcraft noted one function of the Chamber of Commerce is businesses attracting other businesses; the Chamber is a broad based organization. Councilmember Oddie stated the referral is worth considering; noted the State approved a replacement for redevelopment; hopefully, the Council will receive a staff report on the matter soon. Councilmember Daysog stated the Mayor's Economic Development Task Force, which includes marque organizations, was established; that he envisions letterhead from the Mayor including the top business, which would be impressive when attracting businesses; the Task Force fits with the recent experience of attracting businesses via networks and personal contacts; having top national brand entities on the City's letterhead is powerful; Mayor Gilmore was very supportive and the City should continue the model. Mayor Spencer stated that she reviewed the information establishing the Mayor's Economic Development Panel, which is to be composed of high level Alameda business and business association executives; the Panel's purpose is to enhance the business climate at Alameda business parks and commercial districts and support the growth of Special Meeting Alameda City Council 18 January 21, 2015 | CityCouncil/2015-01-21.pdf |