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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 8.4 Open for Business Pledge~~~~ Off' nU~~~ /ii ~ 111 L~~ - ~ ~~~ DATE: TO: FROM: STAFF REPORT CITY COUNCIL CITY CLERK File # 470-50 May 15, 2012 Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers ~~ Joni Pattillo, City Manager ° ~' SUBJECT: East Bay Economic Development Alliance's "Open for Business" Pledge Prepared by Linda Smith, Economic Development Director and Public Information Officer EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: The City Council will consider adoption of an "Open for Business" Pledge as part of an East Bay Economic Development Alliance (EDA) initiative to promote the region's business-friendly environment. FINANCIAL IMPACT: None. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council adopt Resolution regarding the East Bay EDA's "Open for Business" Pledge. ~, ,~~, ~ ~.~ Gt_~, ~~- ~ ~ Submitted By Economic Development Director DESCRIPTION: -,_~_ . _ r~~". .. ,. Reviewed By Assistant City Manager Many East Bay cities, as well as Contra Costa and Alameda counties, have experienced significant negative financial impacts resulting from the economic downturn and the dissolution of redevelopment at the beginning of 2012. In many instances, this has resulted in the elimination of positions in development and business services. The East Bay EDA recognizes that local municipalities and other regulatory entities continue to strive to provide an excellent level of customer service despite these cuts and financial hardships affecting many communities. To help focus attention on the excellent business climate in the East Bay, a number of East Bay EDA's members -public and private -came together to develop an "Open for Business" pledge that cities, counties, and other regulatory bodies could adopt to indicate their dedication to Page 1 of 2 ITEM NO. 8.4 fostering and maintaining excellent customer service related to economic development despite the economic downturn. The City of Dublin's Economic Development staff has participated in the ongoing discussions and development of this Pledge and recommends that the City adopt the Pledge, as the Pledge solidifies the work and leadership by the City Council over the last several years focusing on economic development and ongoing support to the Dublin business community. In fact, Staff believes that the City currently meets all of the criteria outlined in the Pledge. Examples of some of the City's efforts include: • Roundtable luncheons held semi-annually and annually with the commercial brokerage, property owners and the development community to seek feedback on development and business services process. These roundtables have resulted shortening the processing timeline of certain use permits, particularly for indoor recreation and automotive type uses; • Over the next four to 18 months, the City will be implementing several new online services that will further improve development and business services delivery, including receiving online plan check comments, online inspection scheduling, real-time field inspection services, as well as web-based permitting for those permits that are typically handled over the counter. • An upcoming Roundtable forum with small business owners and other applicants who have recently processed tenant improvements to hear about ways to improve the City's process; and • A directive from the City Manager to ensure that every phone call or email received by residents and the business community is returned within one business day. If the City Council adopts this Pledge, Dublin will be the first municipality in the East Bay to do so, which in keeping with the City's desire to remain at the forefront of innovative economic development efforts. The East Bay EDA will keep track and promote those communities that signed the Pledge and will share the best practices that are identified as a result of its adoption. NOTICING REQUIREMENTS/PUBLIC OUTREACH: Not applicable. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Resolution Adopting the "Open for Business" Pledge 2. Exhibit A to Resolution Page 2 of 2 RESOLUTION NO. -12 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN ADOPTING THE EAST BAY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE'S "OPEN FOR BUSINESS" PLEDGE WHEREAS, the City Council has placed a high priority on proactive economic development and support for the business community; and WHEREAS, the City is an active participant in the East Bay Economic Development Alliance (EDA) and wishes to endorse their "Open for Business" Pledge, which is aimed at promoting the pro-business environment that exists in the East Bay; and WHEREAS, the City understands that many municipalities have been hit hard by the economic recession and the elimination of redevelopment agencies and this Pledge intends to reassure the development and business community that communities in the East Bay stand ready to assist in business attraction, expansion and retention efforts to create jobs; and WHEREAS, the City of Dublin has demonstrated a leadership role in local and regional economic development efforts, achieving all of the items included in the Pledge. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Dublin does hereby adopt the East Bay Economic Development Alliance's "Open for Business" Pledge, attached hereto as Exhibit A. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of May, 2012, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: City Clerk Mayor CITY OF DUBLIN "OPEN FOR BUSINESS" PLEDGE Because we recognize and understand the critical importance of providing excellent customer service to all or customers -but particularly the business community -and because we recognize that our policies and practices have a direct impact on the East Bay's business climate and the ability of companies in the region to create jobs, the City of Dublin officially endorses East Bay EDA's Open for Business Pledge. We Pledge: • 7'O prOVrde SeYUOr r~2C/YlCrger~2eut leadershrp aYrd s1lpport for perr~2rt S/1'E',C/r~2J/YI/Yl~' and empower the staff to act administratively. • To conduct periodic reviews of our practices to ensure that we are current with ChaYrges /Yr reglrJCrtrouS, techuOlOgy, aYrd COdes - dYlCJ1l~/Yl~' ~'rE',E',Yl h1ldJ~/Yl~' COL~E',S. • To proactively seek custor~rer feedback regularly, positive and negative, and to respond appropriately. • To provide transparent, easy to understand fee schedules and applications online. • To provide staff with training in order to achieve high levels of consistency related to perurzttiug. • To provide clear grrzdauce ou project schedules and urzlestoues early zu the process and to strive to meet to that schedule. • To respond to all communication, whether phone, entail, written or in person, within 2 business days. • To share best practices amongst East Bay EDA 's localities. • To recognize exemplary operations and staff, both internally and externally to the OI'gClYrdZCrtrOYr.