HomeMy WebLinkAboutPCD 2022-08-01 Item 1A - Discussion - Economic Development Plan: Community Engagement111111111
City of Tukwila
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
INFORMATIONAL MEMORANDUM
TO: Planning and Community Development Committee
FROM: Derek Speck, Economic Development Administrator
DATE: July 25, 2022
SUBJECT: Economic Development Plan Community Engagement Process
ISSUE
As part of our task to create an Economic Development Plan for the City, staff seeks Council
consensus approval of the community engagement process.
BACKGROUND
At its meeting on June 6, 2022, the City Council authorized the Mayor to execute a contract up to
$50,000 with Community Attributes, Inc. (CAI) to create an Economic Development Plan. At that time
staff committed to return to Council for approval of the community engagement process. We are
starting the engagement process and would like the Council's feedback and approval.
Basic Plan: The City and CAI are close to signing a $50,000 contract for a "basic" plan. Under this
scope of work, CAI would conduct research and analysis, write, design, and produce the Plan. It
would also include standard community engagement such as a mobile friendly website, an online
survey and in-person surveys at public meetings, community meetings and events, and gathering
places. This will include Google Translate for the website and online survey. We will also form and
coordinate an advisory committee of approximately eight people to provide general advice on the
process and draft plan.
Expanded Community Outreach: In addition to the $50,000 that Council authorized for creating the
"basic" plan, the Council also provided budget for another $50,000 for expanded community
engagement. This work may include "influencers" and/or community-based organizations to help
engage with various groups based on culture, language, age, etc. It would include tailoring those
contracts to work with those influencers and/or organizations on methods appropriate for each group.
These methods may include surveys, conversations, interviews, focus groups, social media, or other
ways. We hope to find fun and easy ways for the public to engage. As appropriate, tools and methods
would include interpretation, translation, childcare, and participation incentives. The City might
contract with these organizations directly or through CAI. If through CAI, staff may need to return to
Council for approval to increase the amount of their contract.
DISCUSSION
We would like a community engagement process that welcomes Tukwila's diverse community. This
includes residents, businesses, and property owners. The following are some possibilities. We would
adjust based on availability of partners, resources, etc.
1. City Hosted Opportunities
a. City Boards and Commissions
b. City groups (e.g., Teens for Tukwila)
c. City Facilities (Tukwila Community Center, Permit Counter, Spray Park, etc.)
d. Parks and Recreation events (e.g., "See You in the Park")
e. Direct door-to-door business visits
INFORMATIONAL MEMO
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f. National Night Out
g. Public comment at City Council (especially for the draft plan)
2. Community Meetings and Events
3. Community Gathering Places
a. Food Trucks (e.g., at Southgate Mobile Home Park)
b. Saar's Supersaver grocery store
c. Spice Bridge
d. Tukwila Library
e. Tukwila Village Farmers Market
4. Community Organizations
a. Access to Our Community
b. African Community Housing and Development
c. East African Community Services
d. HealthPoint
e. Para Los Ninos
f. Partners in Employment
g. Refugee Women's Alliance (REWA)
h. Talitha Consults
i. Tukwila Metropolitan Park District Board
j. Tukwila School District (e.g., Foster High School classes)
5. Business Organizations
a. Business Impact Northwest
b. Evergreen Community Capital
c. Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce
d. Small Business Development Center at Highline College
e. StartZone at Highline College
6. Tools
a. Website
b. Survey (friendly for mobile users)
c. Pop Up materials (e.g., boards, etc.)
d. Incentives to participate
e. Social media to spread awareness
f. Fun!
FINANCIAL IMPACT
None. Sufficient funding has already been budgeted.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff would appreciate the Committee's suggestions on these or other potential engagement
opportunities and consensus approval of the engagement process.
ATTACHMENTS
None
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