HomeMy WebLinkAboutStudy Session-GP Economic Dev Element OLD
STAFF REPORT
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DATE: December 11, 2012
TO: Planning Commission
SUBJECT: STUDY SESSION: City of Dublin General Plan Economic
Development Element
Report Prepared by Linda Smith, Economic Development Director and
Public Information Officer
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Planning Commission will hold a Study Session to review the draft Goals, Policies and
Implementation Measures of the proposed General Plan Economic Development Element.
These policies build upon on the Economic Development Strategy that was recently adopted by
the City Council.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission receive the presentation by Economic &
Planning Systems and provide Staff with input on the goals, policies and implementation
measures for the Economic Development Element.
Submitted By: ReN/iewk&By
Economic Development Director Assistant Community Development Director
COPIES TO: File
Page 1 of 3 ITEM NO.:
DESCRIPTION:
Background
In Fiscal Year 2011/12, the City Council adopted Strategic Initiatives to create an Economic
Development Strategy and corresponding General Plan Economic Development Element. In
November 2011, the City issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to identify an economic
development firm with experience in developing both items. After an extensive review, the City
selected the services of Economic & Planning Systems, Inc. (EPS). EPS has considerable
experience in creating quality economic development strategies and elements for cities,
counties and other agencies throughout the United States.
In early spring of 2012, EPS initiated the work, interviewing stakeholders (including Planning
Commissioners) and collecting data on the opportunities that exist in Dublin to create jobs and
grow businesses. Top business and government leaders were also interviewed for the
development of the Strategy. Additionally, several public meetings were held, including a
community meeting, a City Council workshop, and an executive roundtable with the top
employers in Dublin.
The initial Strategy findings were shared with the City Council's Economic Development
Committee, comprised of Mayor Sbranti and Councilmember Biddle, who recommended that the
City Council consider the draft as proposed.
Summary of the Economic Development Strategy
On November 6, 2012, the City Council adopted the Economic Development Strategy
(Attachment 1). To summarize, the Strategy largely focused around four top priorities:
1. Enhancing quality of place for businesses and residents
2. Small business support and growth
3. Development of the Eastern Dublin Transit Center
4. Development in Downtown Dublin
These four priorities were then adapted into four strategy areas and corresponding action items.
The Strategy is summarized below:
Strategy 1: Continue Efforts to Enhance the Competitiveness of the City and Maintain a
Strong and Diverse Economic Base
Action 1: Codify Existing Economic Development Practices
Action 2: Create a Comprehensive Marketing and Branding Plan for the City
Action 3: Focus Business Visitation Program on High-Growth Companies
Action 4:Advance Participation in Regional Efforts
Strategy 2: Improve Conditions for Small Businesses
Action 1: Enhance Current Development Services Practices
Strategy 3: Position Development Sites to Meet Current and Future Market Demand and
Provide Necessary Marketing Support
Action 1: Partner with the Alameda County Surplus Property Authority on the Eastern
Dublin Transit Center
Action 2: Support Downtown Specific Plan Area Property Owners' Business Attraction
and Development Efforts
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Strategy 4: Expedite Development Progress Downtown and Optimize Conditions for
Entertainment Uses
Action 1: Explore Potential Funding Sources and Financing Tools to Advance Real
Estate and Economic Development
Action 2: Explore the Creation of an Economic Development Corporation
Economic Development Element— Draft Goals, Policies and Implementation Measures
Since the adoption of the Strategy, EPS has been working on the development of a draft
Element, including proposed Goals, Policies and Implementation Measures. The Economic
Development Element will help to guide the City's efforts to foster business expansion and job
growth, providing City staff with a framework for economic development programs and activities.
Consistent with the mission of the Economic Development function within the City Manager's
Office, the overarching objective of the Economic Development Element is to enhance the
competitiveness of the City of Dublin and to maintain a strong and diverse economic base.
EPS will present the proposed Goals, Policies and Implementation Measures (Attachment 2) for
the Planning Commission's review and input. Following this Study Session, Staff will work with
EPS to prepare the final draft Element and will bring this back for recommendation by the
Planning Commission.
NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH:
Extensive public outreach regarding the Economic Development Strategy and Element has
been completed. This includes EPS lead interviews of the various stakeholders including
government and business leaders. In addition, City Staff held a Community Workshop on June
6, 2012. The City Council held a Study Session on July 19, 2012 and an Executive Roundtable
was held on September 20, 2012.
ATTACHMENTS: 1) Economic Development Strategy
2) Proposed Goals, Policies and Implementation Measures
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