HomeMy WebLinkAboutEconomic Advisory Commission - Minutes - 05/08/2007*Minutes Approved 06/06/07
Minutes
City of Fort Collins
Economic Advisory Commission
Regular Meeting
300 LaPorte Ave
May 8, 2007
For Reference: Mayor Doug Hutchinson, Council Liaison 416-2154
Mike Freeman, Staff Liaison 416-2253
Erin Gill, Minute taker 221-6505
Board Members Present
Beena Bawa, Christophe Febvre, Jim Clark, Blue Hovatter, Kevin Shaw, Sarah Hach,
Stuart MacMillan, Bill Timpson, Doug Hutchinson
Board Members Absent
Rick Price
Guests
Eric Kronwall
Karen Weitkunat
Ann Hutchison
Public Comment
None
The Economic Advisory Commission meeting was called to order at 11:04 a.m.
Agenda Item 1
Brief introductions of each commission member.
Christophe Febvre elected as Chair.
Agenda Item 2 and 3
City of Fort Collins Boards and Commissions Manual regarding Commissions
Work Plans referenced:
"Work plans should set out major projects and issues for discussion for the
following year. Timelines and scope of review should be provided when
possible. If appropriate, an estimate of actions to be taken should be
included (example: anticipated number of new license applications).
Work plans should be concise and easily readable. The City Council will
review the work plan of each board and commission. The following table
includes the deadlines and action needed to complete the work plan review
process."
Agenda Item 4
Review of Economic Action Plan supporting four City strategies:
• Strengths
• Weaknesses
• Opportunities
• Threats
Agenda Item 5 and 6
Commission's perspective on Economic Health of Fort Collins reviewing
economic action plan strategies:
1) Strengths:
High Quality of Life
Workforce/ Talent available
Clean Energy Cluster
Fort Collins Tech incubator
Existing Cultural facilities
Colorado State University
Downtown Fort Collins
Mason Corridor
Stakeholders Groups (DDA, DBA)
Urban Growth Areas: I-25 Interchanges
Northern Colorado Urban Renewal Area
Proposed Urban Renewal Authority Mall
Beet St Project
2) Weaknesses:
Major retail venues decline
Primary Employment Downtown
Diversity of Primary Employment
Land inventory for employment uses
Major demand generator for tourism
Marketing Fort Collins
Residential sales low, large land lots located outside city
Current Foothills mall
Lack of connection with regional communities
3) Opportunities:
Create overarching vision
Expand the Technology incubator
Create development ready sites
Community Brand implementation
Regional coordination
Harmony Corridor / Entryway
I-25 Interchange Development
Target Retail Development
Arts/Entertainment/Development
4) Threats:
DDA funding
Regional retail / employment competition
Future residential development
Larger lot residential availability
Not redevelopment friendly
Preserve quality of life as we grow.
Agenda Item 7
Economic Health Results Team Leader Terri Bryant (Utilities) performed brief
presentation of Economic Health Results Map.
1) Strategic Economic Leadership
2) Strong and Effective Partnerships
3) Balanced Business Retention, Expansion and Attraction
4) Dynamic Business Centers
Agenda Item 8
Vice chair Kevin Shaw suggested meeting every other Tuesday starting May 22,
2007 at 11:00 a.m.