MINUTES FOR THE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICY GROUP

February 5, 2010

51 Winburn Way

CALL TO ORDER

Russ Silbiger called the meeting to order at 9:10 a.m. in the Siskiyou Room, 51 Winburn Way.

Mayor Stromberg addressed the Committee and explained developing an economic strategy for the City of Ashland is his number one priority. He stated these meetings are not long enough to get everything done and urged each of them to think about this topic and speak with each other outside of the meetings.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

This item was postponed to the next meeting.

SUMMARY OF TRENDS, SWOT, AND VISION DOCUMENTS

City Administrator Martha Bennett briefly reviewed the documents included in the meeting packet. She clarified the City Council Vision Statement and Council Values document are the drafts that were created in June 2009 and went out for pubic comment. She added these documents will be refined; however they are still relevant. The other documents in the packet are the proposed categories memo from the Technical Advisory Committee, and both groups SWOT outlines. Program Manager Adam Hanks explained the next step is for staff to take the two SWOT outlines and merge them into a single document. Both groups will then use this cohesive document as they move forward with putting together their proposed economic development strategies and goals.

Staff asked if the group had any questions about these documents before they move forward. Councilor Silbiger asked staff to clarify what the group will be working on today. Ms. Bennett explained staff would like to committee members to talk with each other and start articulating vision statements. She stated the input the group provides today will be incorporated with the vision statements from the Technical Advisory Group and this draft document will be provided to both groups at their upcoming meetings for feedback.

Ric Holt suggested the group agree on a definition of Economic Development. He also commented that both the EOA and the update stem from very traditional viewpoints and questioned if it is possible to get another opinion. Ms. Bennett clarified the City has a very limited budget and they need to use their resources wisely, however they are open to alternate ideas that may be more compatible with Ashland. Mr. Holt offered to study this and present information if the group would find it helpful.

DISCUSSION OF ECONOMIC VISION FOR ASHLAND

The committee members separated into smaller groups and held discussion on an economic vision for Ashland. Ms. Bennett clarified the group is being asked to discuss how far they want the City’s economic development policy to reach; is it just bringing and retaining businesses to Ashland, or does it also include quality of life components.

The committee spent the remainder of the meeting in smaller groups discussing their ideas.

ECONOMIC VISION REPORTS

Each small group reported back that the exercise was helpful and that they will continue and attempt to finalize the discussion at the next meeting.

NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be Friday, February 19, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.

ADJOURNMENT

Meeting adjourned at 10:50 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

April Lucas, Administrative Assistant