City Council
MEETING DATE: 5/13/2015
TITLE:
Title
Economic Development Update
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FROM:
Leisa Lukes, Economic Development Manager
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
This item is presented for information and discussion.
Body
BACKGROUND:
The goal of economic development is to create a healthy economy for the community. According to the California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED), it is a concerted effort to influence the direction of private sector investment toward opportunities that can lead to sustained economic growth. Business retention, business growth, and business attraction are a result of the economic development investment made by the city for the purpose of generating wealth to benefit the community.
The City of Cathedral City is making an investment in the community through the use of a series of economic development tools, including community events, public infrastructure improvements, enforcement of city codes, business outreach and community involvement. In addition to maintaining and growing relationships with businesses, commercial real estate brokers, and the development community, the City will also have a presence at the International Council of Shopping Centers' (ICSC) annual RECon conference this month where retail, hospitality, and development companies will be represented.
Each employee, as a representative of the City, plays a role in the economic development of the city. This report provides an update on the City's use of its economic development tools and current private-sector investments within the city.
DISCUSSION:
Economic Development Tools:
Community Events - With the inclusion of a Communications and Events Manager on staff and the addition of the "Festivals Lawn" event space in Downtown, there has been an increasing number of community events. Some of these events, such as Theater Square Market with gourmet food trucks, products and services, are held wee...
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