Planning 2011-04-28 Item 4 - Attachment C: Issues and Opportunities Report

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There are some benefits to having some non industrial neighbors: Some industrial businesses view certain non industrial uses, such as restaurant and retail, as amenities that can enhance the work environment for their employees. A few thought that additional offices could provide them more customers. At least one business felt that proximity to residences could provide a source of additional customers for the business, and that all viable uses should be encouraged. 4 Costs and the need for larger facilities would cause businesses to change location: In general, businesses would prefer to stay in place, but if necessary would be compelled to move to seek a larger facility and lower costs. Many industrial land users are concerned about the availability of space that fits their needs, and the rising costs of rent and land. All of the respondents stated that the costs of land and /or rent was either very important or somewhat important. If necessary, King County, especially Auburn or Kent, would be the favored place to relocate: if businesses decided to leave Tukwila, over one in four would choose either Auburn or Kent due to lower costs and the ability to get larger facilities. Businesses would like faster, more certain permit processing: Businesses commented on fire permit fees, rack permits, building code requirements, seismic requirements, and permits for machine installation. Public safety /crime is a priority: When asked their concerns about a Tukwila location, over 70% of respondents felt that public safety /crime issues were very important to them, citing problems with burglary /car prowl. Police response for personal crime was good, and businesses had good interactions with the police. Response for property crime was somewhat less satisfactory. Traffic congestion is a problem or not: Businesses were evenly split with approximately 50% feeling that traffic was an important problem, and approximately 50% saying that it wasn't important at all. Congestion made getting to Southcenter difficult for some. Interurban works well. Amenities: Several businesses were pleased with trails and parks in the MIC. Others felt that restaurants and other amenities for their employees were lacking, and wanted more. Several businesses were especially interested in additional public transit options, including additional bus service, and a light rail stop. Business Climate and Perception: Feelings were mixed regarding business climate. Some businesses felt that the City had a good or neutral business climate, others felt that the City had a negative attitude toward business. One business remarked that they didn't feel connected to Tukwila, although they had used the Tukwila Community Center for meetings and a staff picnic. One business requested that the City keep reaching out to business as it is doing now with the survey, since businesses sometimes feel that the City of Tukwila doesn't care about them. Comments and Suqqestions to the City of Tukwila Businesses were asked open -ended questions about ways the City could help their business operations and also to provide comments for the City of Tukwila. Businesses made 48 very interesting suggestions or comments regarding better communication, zoning, transportation, permitting, transit /light rail, taxes/ bureaucracy, public safety, landscaping requirements, other regulations. W: \Long Range Projects \MIC Study\ Issues &Opps \MIC- Logo \Issues &OppsReport.doc Page 5