ATTACHMENT F
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Retail Ad Hoc Committee 2024
2024 Ad hoc Committee Members: Council Member Lydia Kou (Chair); Council Member Pat Burt; Council Member Julie Lythcott-Haims
2024 Activities:
Overall Economic Development:
•Received updates on various work efforts to advance Council’s Economic Development and Transition (ED&T) priority 1 through verbal communication and through Economic Development Activity Reports.
oObjectives are paraphrased in this document for ease of reference; the full-text of each objective can be found on the priorities webpage
•Discussed various issues related to objective #1 to “establish sustainable business organization in…districts”
•Recommended Title 18 Changes to implement high priority retail revitalization measures then approved by Council. This advanced objective #12 to “conduct stakeholder outreach and present recommendations to Council for a citywide retail zoning strategy and receive direction for zoning ordinance implementation”
University Avenue Downtown:
•Discussed Immediate/Interim Improvements: This included enhancing cleanliness, including removal of disused/ broken newsracks, power-washing garages, and use of overtime for more frequent cleanings
•Discussed University Avenue Streetscape Project (Objective #5) •Held study session on Options for Addressing Retail Vacancies in University Avenue Downtown, advancing objective #10 to “establish regular engagement with retail brokers…to create stronger connections…” as well as objective #11 to “research and evaluate options for implementing a public-private small and local business and incubation and vacant storefront program…”
•Ramona street was discussed at various meetings, and the contract for the design consultant is being brought forward for Council approval. Objective #4 was to “initiate preliminary analysis and stakeholder engagement on a car-free streetscape design for Ramona street”.
California Avenue:
•Discussed Immediate and Interim Improvements, including objective #2 to “engage Cal Ave merchants on high-priority rapid implementation projects”. •Received updates on objective #3 (Develop Cal Ave car-free streetscape design) parallel to engaging Cal Ave merchants
Midtown:
•Discussed efforts with the Chamber of Commerce to engage Midtown merchants. 1 The latest quarterly update on objectives within the Council priorities, including each objective under the ED&T priority can be found online here: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/City-Clerk/City-Council/City- Council-Priorities