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Transmittal - 11/24/2021 REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY of SALT LAKE CITY SALT LAKE CITY CORPORATION 451 SOUTH STATE STREET, ROOM 118 WWW.SLC.GOV · WWW.SLCRDA.COM P.O. BOX 145518, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH 84114-5518 TEL 801-535-7240 · FAX 801-535-7245 MAYOR ERIN MENDENHALL Executive Director DANNY WALZ Director STAFF MEMO DATE: November 24, 2021 PREPARED BY: Kort Utley RE: Potential Revisions to the Agency’s Guiding Framework REQUESTED ACTION: Consideration of a resolution amending the Agency’s Guiding Framework POLICY ITEM: Redevelopment Agency Guiding Framework for Strategic Operations, Resolution No. R-22-2019 BUDGET IMPACTS: Not applicable EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Agency staff requests the Board of Directors (Board) consideration of a resolution that would revise the Guiding Framework (Framework), which is a strategic, foundational document containing the Agency’s mission statement and core values. Staff presented potential revisions to the Framework to the Board in October and they were generally well-received, although the Board did discuss three additional revisions. Staff has incorporated the Board’s feedback, incorporating two of the three revisions discussed at the October Board meeting. The resolution under consideration is included as Attachment A to this memo. REDEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: Staff presented the potential revisions to the Framework to the Redevelopment Advisory Committee (RAC), November 3rd, 2021, and the RAC unanimously supported the proposed revisions. ANALYSIS & ISSUES: In November 2019, the Board adopted the Guiding Framework (“Framework”), an operational document that strategically guides and prioritizes the Redevelopment Agency’s work. The Framework includes three components:  A mission statement clarifying the Agency’s purpose;  Core values articulating the intended economic, social, and physical outcomes expected of Agency projects; and 2  A methodology for prioritizing the Agency’s work based on a given project’s ability to achieve certain threshold requirements, demonstrate public benefits, and comply with the criteria in the Agency’s programs and policies. Staff has utilized the Framework throughout the past two years to analyze requests for Agency financial assistance. During that time, staff has noted where the Framework might be improved to better serve its purpose. Concurrently, staff has been working on a plan for the Strategic Alignment of Agency Values and Resources and an Equitable & Inclusive Development Work Plan, both presented at the September 2021 Board meeting. Additionally, the Board has recently had in-depth discussions on housing priorities. As a follow-up to these efforts and discussions, staff has considered ways in which the Framework could be updated accordingly, with a focus on the principles of equity & inclusion. Staff presented potential revisions to the Framework at the October 12, 2021 Board meeting at which time the following additional revisions were discussed: 1. Change the words “economic growth” in the mission statement to “economic opportunity” to match the language contained in the Framework’s value statement of Economic Opportunity. Staff has made this change and it is reflected in Attachment B: Exhibit “A” to the Resolution: RDA Guiding Framework for Mission and Values. 2. Consider incorporating the titles of the Framework’s other value statements—Equity & Inclusion and Neighborhood Vibrancy—into the mission statement. Staff considered incorporating these titles but ultimately did not make this revision to the mission statement, as it resulted in a wordier, cumbersome and lengthy mission statement. It has been a goal to keep the mission statement as clear and concise as possible. 3. Revise the Description & Intent language for the Livability Benchmark for “Affordable Commercial Space” to incorporate language from the Livability Benchmark for “Local Business Opportunities,” which staff has proposed removing. Staff has made this change. Following is a summary of the proposed revisions to the Framework discussed at the October 12, 2021, Board meeting. These revisions are also shown in Attachment C: Redline version of the Guiding Framework showing potential revisions. Proposed revisions to the Agency Mission: The Agency’s mission currently reads as follows: The Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City revitalizes neighborhoods and business districts to improve livability, spark economic growth, and foster authentic communities, serving as a catalyst for strategic development projects that enhance the City’s housing opportunities, commercial vitality, public spaces, and environmental sustainability. The following three revisions to the mission statement are proposed: 3  Replace the word “revitalizes” with “strengthens.” The word “revitalizes” may be interpreted as a pejorative, suggesting a neighborhood has problems. The word “strengthens” more accurately reflects the Agency’s mission to improve an area, without making a value judgement about its current condition.  Change the phrase “spark economic growth” to “create economic opportunity.”  Add the word “equitable” to the mission statement to describe the kinds of communities the Agency fosters. With these revisions the Agency’s mission would read as follows: The Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City strengthens neighborhoods and business districts to improve livability, create economic opportunity, and foster authentic, equitable communities, serving as a catalyst for strategic development projects that enhance the City’s housing opportunities, commercial vitality, public spaces, and environmental sustainability. Proposed revisions to the Agency Value: Economic Growth: The Agency’s value of Economic Growth currently reads as follows: Economic Growth: We act as a responsible steward of public funds, taking a long-term view of investment, return, and property values. Staff proposes a complete revision of this value, including its title, to broaden the economic expectations of the Agency’s work. Rather than focusing on growth, investment, return, and property values, the proposed revisions would expand this value to reflect economic opportunity and prosperity for all. The revised Economic value would reads as follows: Economic Opportunity: We invest in the long-term prosperity and growth of our local economy. Proposed revisions to the Agency Value: Community Impact: The Agency’s value of Community Impact currently read as follows: Community Impact: We prioritize projects and programs that demonstrate commitment to improving equity and quality of life for residents and businesses in Salt Lake City. Staff proposes completely revising this value to focus on the principles of equity and inclusion. Consequently, the title of this value would change to “Equity & Inclusion” and the supporting language would articulate the Agency’s commitment to prioritizing projects that grow out of the community’s desires and interests and benefit the community as a whole. The revised Community value would read as follows: 4 Equity & Inclusion: We prioritize people-focused projects and programs that encourage everyone to participate in and benefit from development decisions that shape their communities. Proposed revisions to the Agency Value: Neighborhood Vibrancy: The Agency’s value of Neighborhood Vibrancy currently read as follows: Neighborhood Vibrancy: We cultivate distinct and livable built environments that are contextually sensitive, resilient, connected, and sustainable. Staff proposes revising two words in the value of Neighborhood Vibrancy to clarify the Agency’s intent:  Replace the word “built environments” with “places.” The purpose of this revision is make the language more accessible by removing development-industry jargon.  Replace the word “resilient” with “durable.” The revised Neighborhood Vibrancy value would read as follows: Neighborhood Vibrancy: We cultivate distinct and livable places that are contextually sensitive, durable, connected, and sustainable. These potential revisions to the Agency’s mission and values necessitate changes to the Livability Benchmarks (“Benchmarks”), as the Benchmarks further articulate the Agency’s values. Staff proposes a number of revisions to the Benchmarks to incorporate the principles of equity and inclusion and to also refine and clarify language and intent. These proposed revisions are summarized in the list below and are shown in detail in Attachment “C” - Redline version of the Livability Benchmarks showing potential revisions.  Staff proposes combining Benchmarks where possible to simplify and prevent overlap: o Combine the benchmarks for Business Districts and Local Business Opportunities into a new benchmark titled Affordable Commercial Space. o Combine the benchmarks for Building Design & Architecture, Quality Materials and Site & Urban Design into a new benchmark titled Architecture & Urban Design. o Combine the benchmarks for Historic Preservation and Adaptive Reuse into a new benchmark titled Building Preservation, Rehabilitation, or Adaptive Reuse 5  Staff proposes adding four Benchmarks to better incorporate the principles of equity and inclusion into the Framework: o Add a Benchmark encouraging home and business Ownership o Add a Benchmark promoting Housing for Everyone o Add a Benchmark addressing Displacement Mitigation o Add a Benchmark addressing Affordable Housing Preservation  Staff proposes adding a Benchmark for Missing Middle & Unique Building Types to foster creation of “missing middle” commercial and residential building forms that play an important role in diversifying the City’s building stock.  Staff proposes moving the Public Space and Public Art benchmarks to the Neighborhood Vibrancy category with the other Benchmarks that relate to the Agency’s preferred characteristics in the built environment.  Staff proposes removing the benchmark for Targeted Resources because redevelopment area (also known as “project area”) boundaries are sufficient to geographically target Agency resources. Moving forward staff envisions utilizing the Benchmarks in a number of ways. The Agency doesn’t expect every project or recipient of Agency funding to achieve every Benchmark. Rather, the Benchmarks are a comprehensive menu of public benefits the Agency will pull from to identify goals when structuring projects and programs and when evaluating developer requests for financial assistance. This helps ensure Agency projects and programs align with the Framework and Benchmarks. For example, future notices of funding availability will reference the Framework and utilize select Benchmarks to evaluate and rank applications as well as provide for interest rate reductions. It is envisioned that annual housing funding priorities, to be adopted annually by the Board, will generally align with the Framework while allowing for additional specificity and/or emphasis on specific focus areas. In addition, staff will utilize the Benchmarks when redeveloping Agency-owned property, picking specific Benchmarks from the overall menu that are most germane to the redevelopment project and utilizing them to articulate the project’s objectives and to select the developer / project that achieves them. Attachments “B,” “C,” and “D” to this memo show the revisions to the Mission, Values and Benchmarks mentioned above. PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION: The Board adopted Resolution No. R-22-2019, Redevelopment Agency Guiding Framework for Strategic Operations, November 12, 2019. ATTACHMENTS: A. Resolution B. Exhibit “A” to the Resolution: RDA Guiding Framework for Mission and Values 6 C. Redline version of the Guiding Framework showing revisions D. Redline version of the Livability Benchmarks showing revisions REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SALT LAKE CITY RESOLUTION NO. _______ Guiding Framework for Mission and Values RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SALT LAKE CITY REPEALING AND REPLACING THE AGENCY’S GUIDING FRAMEWORK FOR MISSION AND VALUES WHEREAS, the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City (“Agency”) was created to transact the business and exercise the powers provided for in the Community Reinvestment Agency Act under Title 17C of the Utah Code; and WHEREAS, on November 12, 2019, pursuant to Resolution R-22-2019, the Board of Directors of the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City (“Board”) adopted the Guiding Framework for Mission and Values (“2019 Guiding Framework”); and WHEREAS, the Agency has determined that it is important to amend the 2019 Guiding Framework to modify and clarify the Agency’s mission and values to guide the Agency’s decision-making on projects and expenditures; and WHEREAS, the Board now desires to repeal and replace the 2019 Guiding Framework. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City, the 2019 Guiding Framework adopted pursuant to Resolution R-22-2019 is repealed in its entirety and replaced with the Guiding Framework attached to this Resolution as Exhibit A. Passed by the Board of Directors of the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City, this day of , 2021. Ana Valdemoros, Chairperson Transmitted to the Executive Director on . The Executive Director: does not request reconsideration requests reconsideration at the next regular Agency meeting. Erin Mendenhall, Executive Director Approved as to form: Salt Lake City Attorney’s Office Attest: City Recorder 11.24.21 Guiding Framework This Guiding Framework is a strategic operational document outlining the methodology for evaluating and prioritizing projects requesting RDA financial assistance. The RDA’s Mission and Values form the foundation of the Guiding Framework, declaring the RDA’s purpose and the intended economic, social, and physical outcomes expected of RDA projects and partnerships. MISSION: The Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City strengthens neighborhoods and business districts to improve livability, create economic opportunity and foster authentic, equitable communities, serving as a catalyst for strategic development projects that enhance the City’s housing opportunities, commercial vitality, public spaces, and environmental sustainability. VALUES: Economic Opportunity- We invest in the long-term prosperity and growth of our local economy. Equity & Inclusion- We prioritize people-focused projects and programs that encourage everyone to participate in and benefit from development decisions that shape their communities. Neighborhood Vibrancy- We cultivate distinct and livable places that are contextually sensitive, durable, connected, and sustainable. PROJECT EVALUATION PROCESS: The RDA prioritizes projects that demonstrate a commitment to the Mission and Values, evaluating projects via three steps, which answer the following questions: 1.) Does the project meet the minimum THRESHOLDS required for RDA participation? 2.) To what degree does the project benefit the public by achieving defined LIVABILITY BENCHMARKS, thereby warranting RDA assistance? 3.) Does the project meet the CRITERIA outlined in existing RDA programs and policies, such as the RDA Loan Program or Tax Increment Reimbursement Program? *Spanning a 1-3 year time frame, Project Area Work Plans identify redevelopment objectives and strategic redevelopment projects for each project area, along with a corresponding schedule & budget for each project. The Project Area Work Plans will be based on relevant City policies and plans and the Project Area Plans that were adopted when the project area was created and will provide direction for the annual RDA budget process. Step 1: THRESHOLDS  Alignment with adopted City policies & plans  Alignment with RDA Project Area Work Plans*  Financial viability with a demonstrated and reasonable need for public assistance Step 2: LIVABILITY BENCHMARKS Economic Opportunity  Leveraging  Timeliness  Return of Investment  Permanent Job Creation & Retention  Affordable Commercial Spaces  Ownership Equity & Inclusion  Transit Opportunities  Mixed-Income Neighborhoods  Neighborhood Safety  Community Engagement & Support  Housing for Everyone  Displacement Mitigation  Affordable Housing Preservation Neighborhood Vibrancy  Public Space  Public Art  Architecture & Urban Design  Sustainability  Walkability  Building Preservation, rehabilitation, or adaptive reuse  Missing Middle & Unique Building Types Step 3: PROGRAM CRITERIA Evaluation of project according to respective RDA policies, programs and procedures Guiding Framework This Guiding Framework is a strategic operational document outlining the methodology for evaluating and prioritizing projects requesting RDA financial assistance. The RDA’s Mission and Values form the foundation of the Guiding Framework, declaring the RDA’s purpose and the intended economic, social, and physical outcomes expected of RDA projects and partnerships. MISSION: The Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City strengthens revitalizes neighborhoods and business districts to improve livability, spark create economic growth,opportunity and foster authentic, equitable communities, serving as a catalyst for strategic development projects that enhance the City’s housing opportunities, commercial vitality, public spaces, and environmental sustainability. VALUES: Economic OpportunityGrowth- We act as a responsible steward of public funds, taking a long-term view of investment, return, and property values. We invest in the long-term prosperity and growth of our local economy. Equity & InclusionCommunity Impact- We prioritize projects and programs that demonstrate commitment to improving equity and quality of life for residents and businesses in Salt Lake City We prioritize people-focused projects and programs that encourage everyone to participate in and benefit from development decisions that shape their communities. Neighborhood Vibrancy- We cultivate distinct and livable places built environments that are contextually sensitive, durableresilient, connected, and sustainable. PROJECT EVALUATION PROCESS: In the context of the Mission and Values, The RDA prioritizes projects that demonstrate a commitment to the Mission and Values, the RDA evaluatesing projects via three steps, which answer the following questions: 1.) Does the project meet the minimum THRESHOLDS required for RDA participation? 2.) To what degree does the project benefit the public by achieving defined LIVABILITY BENCHMARKS, thereby warranting RDA assistance? 3.) Does the project meet the CRITERIA outlined in existing RDA programs and policies, such as the RDA Loan Program or Tax Increment Reimbursement Program? Step 1: THRESHOLDS  Alignment with adopted City policies & plans  Alignment with RDA Project Area Work Plans*  Financial viability with a demonstrated and reasonable need for public assistance DRAFT 11.19.21 *Spanning a 1-3 year time frame, Project Area Work Plans identify redevelopment objectives and strategic redevelopment projects for each project area, along with a corresponding schedule & budget for each project. The Project Area Work Plans will be based on relevant City policies and plans and the Project Area Plans that were adopted when the project area was created and will provide direction for the annual RDA budget process. Step 2: LIVABILITY BENCHMARKS Economic GrowthOpportunity  Leveraging  Timeliness  Return of Investment  Permanent Job Creation & Retention  Business Districts  Targeted Resources  Affordable Commercial Spaces  Ownership Community ImpactEquity & Inclusion  Public Space  Transit Opportunities  Local Business Opportunities  Mixed-Income Neighborhoods  Neighborhood Safety  Public Art  Community Engagement & Support  Housing for Everyone  Displacement Mitigation  Affordable Housing Preservation Neighborhood Vibrancy  Public Space  Public Art  Quality Materials  Site & Urban Design  Building Design & Architecture & Urban Design  Sustainability  Walkability  Historic Preservation  Adaptive ReuseBuilding Preservation, rehabilitation, or adaptive reuse  Missing Middle & Unique Building Types Step 3: PROGRAM CRITERIA Evaluation of project according to respective RDA policies, programs and procedures LIVABILITY BENCHMARKS November 19, 2021- DRAFT Public Benefit Description & Intent ECONOMIC GROWTHOPPORTUNITY Leveraging To promote the leveraging of non-RDA/City sources of funding to maximize private investment. Timeliness To support projects that have a reasonable timeframe for completion. Return of Investment To promote the return of RDA resources, thereby enabling resources to extend further in the community. Permanent Job Creation To promote neighborhoods with a balanced economy that produces quality jobs. Affordable Commercial Spaces To reduce the displacement risk of existing community businesses and/or reduce barriers to entry for new, underrepresented business and service types, particularly locally-owned and independent businesses and non-profits that promote neighborhood identity, economic vitality, and local economic multipliers. Ownership To encourage the creation of opportunities for residents/business owners to build wealth and/or establish permanent roots through affordable home/commercial ownership. Business Districts To foster unique neighborhood business districts with distinct commercial, office, retail, transportation, and cultural aspects. Targeted Resources To prioritize and align resources in a unified and targeted manner to maximize impacts in the community. COMMUNITY IMPACT EQUITY & INCLUSION Transportation Opportunities To promote a multimodal transportation network and ensure convenient and equitable access to a variety of transportation options. Mixed-Income Neighborhoods To promote mixed-income developments, economically integrated communities, and housing opportunities for low-income residents. Neighborhood Safety To reduce the number of vacant and distressed buildings and lots to reduce crime and return land to a productive use. Community Engagement & Support To foster projects that are supported by community councils and neighborhood organizations.To provide a stronger platform for community members to inform and influence development projects during initial planning stages and to preserve cultural heritage. Housing for Everyone To promote housing for families and underserved populations Displacement Mitigation To mitigate the displacement of current residents and residents with generational ties to the neighborhood, or provide opportunities for those who have already been displaced to return. Affordable Housing Preservation To preserve existing affordable housing Local Business Opportunities To support locally-owned and independent businesses and non-profits that promote neighborhood identity, economic vitality, and local economic multipliers. NEIGHBORHOOD VIBRANCY Public Space To promote community amenities that provide opportunity for social interaction; support cultural events; promote neighborhood identity; and reinforce neighborhood character. Public Art To promote cultural expression and add to the experience and value of the built environment through art that is publically visible or accessible for all to experience. Quality Materials To ensure that building materials provide visual character and appeal to the structure; relate to the context of the neighborhood; are high-quality and enduring. Site & Urban Design To support pedestrian-accessible building placement, the character of the streetscape, parking lot screening, efficient traffic circulation, and transition of scale. Building Design & Architecture & Urban Design To support ground-level transparency, prominent entrances and signage, exclusion/treatment of blank walls, articulation, pedestrian-scale lighting. Unique and timely architecture. To promote high quality architecture that enhances the public realm, strengthens the neighborhood’s unique character, and uses enduring materials. Sustainability To promote a built environment that assists with protecting resources and promoting greater resiliency. Walkability To promote walkable neighborhoods and connectivity, and support a safe, engaging pedestrian experience. Historic Preservation To promote the historic character of the city's neighborhoods through preservation of existing and historic architecture, buildings, and landmarks. Adaptive Reuse To promote the revitalization of underutilized buildings that preserve the character of neighborhoods while promoting new land uses. Building Preservation, Rehabilitation, or Adaptive Reuse To acknowledge a neighborhood’s history and maintain its unique character through preservation, rehabilitation, or repurposing of historic or underutilized structures. Missing Middle & Unique Building Types To promote an array of scale of project types to provide neighborhood-scale commercial, diversify the City’s housing stock/forms, and provide more affordable living options for residents.