Title
Staff Report for a Resolution Approving $250,000 to Fund Economic Development and Arts Initiatives to Enhance the Business Climate in the Fiscal Year 2014-15 Budget
Staffreport
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Since the FY 2014-15 Budget adoption in June 2013, numerous economic development and arts initiatives and opportunities have arisen to enhance the City's business environment. Additionally, the new Arts Commission would benefit from the creation of a framework to operate within once a funding source becomes available. Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution approving funding for the following six initiatives, totaling $250,000 in one-time costs
General Plan Economic Development Element $20,000
Community Workforce Agreement Outreach & Implementation 100,000
Arts Master Plan 50,000
Utility Box Art Wraps 25,000
Decorative Street Banners 35,000
LINKS Enhanced Service Start-up Costs 20,000
Total $250,000
BACKGROUND & ANALYSIS
Information regarding the six initiatives recommended for funding follows.
Economic Development Element of the General Plan
A standalone Economic Development Element (ED Element) of the General Plan is recommended in order to enhance the General Plan Update currently underway. The existing 2002 General Plan handles economic development initiatives and their influence on land use issues as part of the Land Use Element by including a sub-chapter on business and industry. State planning law does not mandate the ED Element. The creation of a new distinct chapter on economic matters related to land use sends a message that economic development is a strong focus of the City and establishes a comprehensive vision of economic development for the future.
The ED Element will incorporate more recent activities and planning documents such as Lit San Leandro, the 2013 City Economic Development Strategy and Work Plan, and the Next Generation Workplace District Study and provide policy recommendations rel...
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