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Home My WebLink About04/09/2025 - Meeting Minutes MINUTES FOR THE BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARD Wednesday, April 9th, 2025 1. Roll Call The following members of the Business Advisory Board were present: Scott Lyttle, Chair Sheridan Mordue, Vice-Chair Jeff Carleton Jocelyn Kearl Pook Carson Isaac Atencio Abudujaannah Soud Barri Allaire Alfonso Brito Andy Robertson Brittany Reese Also Present: Peter Makowski, Department of Economic Development; Will Wright, Department of Economic Development; Kiara Polee, Department of Economic Development; Ibrahim Ramazani, Department of Economic Development; Anne Olsen, Young Professionals of Salt Lake City, Andie Feldman, Department of Economic Development; James McCormack, Building Services; Alyn Toalepai, Utah Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce. Absent: Kristen Lavelett, Downtown Alliance 1. Approval of the minutes a. Review and Approval of March 9th, 2025, BAB Minutes. Mr. Robertson made a motion to approve the minutes of March 9th, 2025. Mr. Carleton seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 2. Briefings by the Staff a. Report from the Assistant Deputy Director and Project Manager. Mr. Makowski, Deputy Director of Business Development, provided two updates to the board. He announced that the Open Streets event will take place every weekend in June, beginning on June 6th. Additionally, he shared that the City Council recently approved EDLF loans for two new recipients: Cold Plunge Coffee and Himalayan Kitchen. Will Wright, Business Development Manager, provided an overview of the Economic Development Loan Fund (EDLF) Dashboard and key metrics the team tracks. He highlighted the number of loans completed since the program transferred to the Economic Development Department in 2020, along with loans and dollars distributed this fiscal and calendar year. The dashboard also shows jobs created, though Mr. Wright clarified that these numbers are static, based on self-reporting at the time of application. Moving forward, the team is considering tracking job creation more dynamically by reaching out to borrowers for regular updates. During the meeting, Mr. Wright also noted recent openings by EDLF recipients, including Shades of Pale Brewery and the upcoming launch of Policy Kings Brewery. He explained that while the EDLF program is currently closed to new applications after a recent influx, the team is preparing to reopen it soon. The new dashboard will be a regular update item for the Business Advisory Board to better track the program’s impact. 3. Business Items A. Salt Lake City Police Department Update Commander Bill Manzanares and Lieutenant Jeffrey North provided an update from the Police Department to the Board. They emphasized their ongoing efforts to improve safety and visibility in the downtown area, noting significant progress over recent years. Their focus has been preventing crime from shifting back downtown as they apply enforcement pressure further west, particularly near Liberty Park and the Jordan River Trail. The team highlighted their new downtown precinct at 110 South Regent St., which they believe has positively impacted the area by increasing police presence and accessibility. They also addressed the Mayor’s Public Safety Plan, noting that while many of the strategies aren't new, the formal structure has brought more collaboration from City, County, and State agencies. This includes new mental health facilities and increased support from the courts and jail system. The officers encouraged open communication with the business community, stressing that problems can only be solved if the police are aware of them. Detective North was introduced as a citywide resource for businesses, and both commanders urged businesses not to hesitate in reporting issues, as early communication can prevent larger problems. B. Introduction to Blake Thomas, Senior Advisor of Real Estate and Capital Projects Blake Thomas, Senior Advisor of Real Estate and Capital Projects, was scheduled to introduce himself and present to the Business Advisory Board; however, due to scheduling changes, this item has been tabled for next month’s meeting. C. Fleet Block Update Logan Hunt, Director of Real Estate Services, presented an update to the Business Advisory Board on the Fleet Block RFQ process, focusing on the northern two parcels of the 8.75-acre site located between Central 9th and the Granary District. The area has been undergoing significant infrastructure and transit improvements, including bikeway expansion and potential TRAX line extension, making it one of the city’s most connected zones. The Fleet Block project aligns with multiple City plans to bring green space and mixed-use development to an underserved area. The RFQ seeks development partners who align with the city's values and are willing to engage in a collaborative, community-driven design process. Notably, there are plans for a three-acre public square and mid-block pedestrian and bike-friendly streets, with funding already secured for infrastructure development. The RFQ process launched at the end of March and aims to select two development partners by July 4. Instead of detailed development proposals, applicants are being evaluated based on experience with community-centered projects and their vision. A major component will be the negotiation of a Community Benefits Agreement, ensuring that local voices shape outcomes like affordable housing, space for small and local businesses, public art, and local hiring practices. The city will support these negotiations with a consultant to help identify representative community stakeholders. Selected developers will then proceed with project design, construction, and financing, under agreements that ensure accountability to community commitments. D. Public Safety Plan – BAB Member Peter Makowski provided an update on the city's Public Safety Plan during the Business Advisory Board meeting. He explained that the Economic Development Department is leading efforts to engage business leaders, property owners, and other stakeholders in addressing issues highlighted in the plan, particularly those affecting downtown Salt Lake City. As part of this initiative, a new stakeholder board is being formed to offer ongoing feedback to city administration, and the Business Advisory Board (BAB) has been granted a seat on this board. Mr. Makowski informed the BAB that they need to select a representative to serve on the new stakeholder board. Although the full scope of the representative's responsibilities is still being developed, the expected commitment is to attend meetings on a bi-monthly basis. Board members expressed interest in participating, but given the limited details at this stage, it was decided to revisit the decision after members have reviewed the safety plan further. The selection will either be discussed over email or during the next meeting. 4. City Council Announcements The following updates were provided to the Business Advisory Board. Austin Kimmel from the Salt Lake City Council Office provided a series of updates during the meeting. The Council is reviewing Budget Amendment No. 5, which proposes an additional $270,000 for the Construction Mitigation Grant Program due to increased demand. If approved, this would allow 90 more small businesses affected by nearby construction to receive support. The Council expressed appreciation for the Business Advisory Board’s partnership and invited feedback on improving the grant process. Additionally, the FY26 budget process will officially begin in May when the Mayor presents her proposed budget. The Council will then review and possibly revise departmental budgets before final approval by the end of June. Mr. Kimmel also announced the reauthorization of the Salt Lake City Central Business Improvement Area (CBIA-25), a special assessment district that funds downtown programs like holiday lighting and Downtown Ambassadors through fees paid by property owners. The Council reaffirmed the use of Ranked Choice Voting for the upcoming municipal elections, eliminating the need for a primary. Other updates included the Council’s approval of a Public Infrastructure District (PID) to fund major downtown redevelopment projects tied to the new sports and entertainment district, and an update on Salt Lake City’s Sister Cities program, which fosters international business connections. The discussion also touched on the potential for expanding similar improvement districts into other city neighborhoods, though any expansion would require strong support from local property owners. 5. BAB Member Announcements No announcements. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. _________________________________ Scott Lyttle, Chair This document and the recording constitute the official minutes of the Economic Development Business Advisory Board meeting held on April 9th, 2025. Scott Lyttle (Oct 7, 2025 12:14:14 MDT) Scott Lyttle