City Commission Workshop

>> To get my little joke. couldn't resist. it's good job >> To get my little joke. couldn't resist. it's good job >> all. >> OK, I'm gonna call this special City Commission workshop for April 15th 2025 to order >> our first agenda item is a presentation and discussion regarding economic development market analysis and visioning draft report. And I see we have. apple be and Mister Kovar sitting there to discuss it and gaunt. cannot. Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. For the Steve Covert director planning with economic development is within the planning department. As you as you remember number of years ago, economic development. We shifted over to the planning department and eventually what we did was they were originally in the new town office. They removed 2 are office here in downtown. And the really the next step was putting together. The right team for doing economic economic development here in the city. And so when we hired when Apple be rehired, Julie Ryan and we hired Rachel, Go on. We did lose Susan during that time frame. She decided to. Good architecture school in Berlin as of tomorrow, she's starring as our news story. Preservation planner on the And so I want everybody under full than So, yeah, we're very excited. And so, you know, with this new entity, a new economic development office, began taking a fresh look economic development, citywide. You know, a lot lot of that. The time it was active that was primarily focusing on a couple areas in the city. But we really felt was important to expand those responsibilities and get a citywide. Obviously, you're aware. We you know, we've had strategic plan. Adopted the impacts and needs on the table. Housing planning department obviously did a lot of work there, too. To incentivize 10 will housing for a lot the workers here in the city. Sports tourism is growing here in the city and also the move Marina Research They have really big plans in the future for drawing really a lot of talent to research talent here to the city. And then we come to a point where can be presenting a market analysis report which really critical step, I think for the city really creating, you know, as you as this is presented to you and hopefully adopted by the commission really creating an economic development. Road fact road map for where we're going in the future. So now I'd like to read passing on the wing. Good morning, Wayne Appleby, economic development Thank you, everybody for your We're excited to be here. >> It's been a little bit getting to you originally were planning to come in October, but we all know what happened in October. So it has moved to the day. So we're really excited to be here from an economic development office standpoint. We view this as a foundational report to really develop what are. >> Our goals as a city as a department focused on economic development. >> You know, one of the strategic goals that we want to achieve. And this to me is the foundation of getting to that point. So last year we undertake consultant with us that will do a presentation today. Provide information to you. As you may remember, we had a number I think, 7 different community events and online surveys with self talk about to gather information to really do a full market analysis for the city has that again foundation you know, I find that really important because, you know, your economic development is is small, not just in stature. As numbers as well my joke. Okay. >> But so we have to be, you know, you're going to see a lot of things today through this recommendation report that be wonderful to employ and to do all of them. But like everyone, we have limited resources to apply to that. So what is we're really trying to seek your input back as to what is most important to all of you. >> And come back at a later date at a regular meeting to maybe discuss actual strategic goals and then aligning our staff time and if are heading for economic development, we know where we're going to put our energy and effort so this is the start of the conversation with this foundation report at this point and then turn it over to Rachel. >> Good morning, Rachel. Kavonte business relations coordinator with economic development. We wanted to thank you as City Commission and our city administration for allowing us to undertake this project. We've excited, as you know, in and see if it's shared about, you know, what's to come in to get your input on it. And I introduce our consulting team that's worked with us over the last year on this. We have with us Talen Dellinger from she's an economic development consultant consultant and brokers. So see it. We have a giant Esteban, our senior project manager, also with Army and Tom Sucharski who was with RBI planning and then keep architecture and he's the project director. So they'll come up to the table, make their presentation to you. And then we'll take questions and have a discussion. >> many feel introduce yourselves when you before you speak. I'm sorry. if introduce yourselves when you get ready to speak. We need to screen. He didn't okay. Well, thank you very much. My name is Linda Allen, Economic development director for are in May and have been involved with this project from the beginning, as has our principal Chris Brown, who is lived in Sarasota for quite some time. He could not be with us today, but he was an integral part of this entire market analysis and visioning efforts. I'd like to introduce the senior project manager for the project. And that's Adrian Esteban. Adrian, tell us a little bit about yourself. >> Good morning, everyone. Adrian Esteban senior project manager. I've been working with on what we like to call economic redevelopment for the past 15 years and also worked on the new town replant here. it's great to be back in Sarasota. >> And Tom Sucharski. Good morning tops Kirstie certified planner with RBI planning and landscape architecture. I've been with RBI. >> For about 2 years prior to that, I was with the City of Sarasota and currently still resident in Sarasota County have been here about 5 years now. >> So we're going to just jump right. And this is all a long presentation. We are going to go step by step through the process of our. Journey here in Sarasota and at the end, we'll have plenty of time for discussion and questions. But first of all, what is economic development? It is the intentional practice of improving your economic well-being and your quality of life so what is an example of unintentional practice? Well, recently, Sarasota was awarded the 2024 local Action award in recognition of the city's housing programs. That's huge. But it's also an intentional practice. So economic development also includes that broad range of activities, chief to first and foremost, retain, create and attract high-quality jobs and to foster the growth of or it's a tax base and an inclusive economy. It is a collaborative effort. It but involve so many different folks throughout the city county, the region that is very important for Wayne and Rachel and the staff to be part of those events that are regional statewide. So it is that collaborative effort. Sarasota. Is looking for a vibrant economy and it's the result of some deliberate choices and action. But bottom line revenues stat strategy? A panel discussion at the international Economic Development Council revealed that economic development professionals are now task with a wide array of responsibilities beyond traditional roles. So these new areas of focus include innovation, infrastructure, development, housing, affordability, grant writing community peacemaking, solar energy, broadband deployment in artificial intelligence and gration. So this expansion of responsibilities. Ress represents a fundamental shift in the nature of economic development work. When I first got an economic development where it was very narrow line. you brought new jobs You expanded your existing business. You didn't talk about retail. You didn't talk about housing. >> Now we're going to talking about retail. We're going to talk about residential in housing. So that's how economic development has changed. >> So some of the core activities of that department will be business and marketing recruitment. Business, retention and expansion strategic planning, small business development, fostering entrepreneurship, creating networks and partnerships, revitalization and neighborhood development. Now, these are some of those traditional core activities that a typical agc economic development would practice today and which we have focused on now since the completion of our report, the economy has seen a softening of real estate prices and the city has seen infrastructure repairs and needs increase dramatically. So how do we get these things done? What are the ways and means 4? You're a DC to accomplish those. That list of activities that they need to be part of. Well, there's finance and incentives. There's marketing technical assistance. Analysis and planning is is a big part of it and your partnership, your networks, and connections show. I want to explain you just a little bit about the way that partnership network works. So, for instance, I didn't say when we walked in that we spent a long time with Julie Ryan talking about the business district. We spent a long time. We had 3 different meetings with Sarasota DC with Aaron Sele Josh McEwen and they were right there to offer assistance to give us information and said there are tremendous partner for you all so those are just a few of the partners that we had meetings with. And now Tom will talk with you about the stakeholder meetings that we were able to have within the community. Sure. So in order to. Really break the city down to I just double areas. We. >> Zone the city 4 districts, the north central East and south really based on just natural boundaries, south being really from Mount Street, South North, 17 17th north and with total of 6 meetings, one in area as well as an overall city meeting and a virtual meeting. In addition to that, we had a survey that was sent out digital survey from August 19th 2 September 15th with over 175 responses. And we met one-on-one business leaders from smh Ringling the airport and what the citizen said with the business. Holder said the surveys all informed the decisions that we made, the recommendations that we're presenting to you all. >> So some of those one-on-one meetings that we had included Dr Larry Thompson gave us an hour of his time in our whole team set in and got to tour the college and talk about there expansion thoughts and ideas. Which are very aggressive in an interesting to hear. We met with Todd Mathis from Benderson Development. I national chair for the International Council of Shopping Centers, Florida Pay 3 partnership for 4 years and benderson development is one of the top ranked developers in the country. They're very, very well respected. They sent Todd to come sit with us in his shared with us, the pros, the cons, what it's like to develop here, what they're looking to go forward with and they are wonderful community partners to have here. We also met with your leading commercial real estate brokers. We met with music from Senate the names Michael Saunders gave us some time. We talked with Eric Baird. Repaired his new owner of the property that the Kennel Club on. So some of these very important folks in your community that are probably not residents. Todd is from Benderson lived here about 15 years loves the city. But but some of these others don't live in the city, but their input was very, very important. So we always look at your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats show their art and culture obviously are the standouts for Sarasota. I will tell you, we do work throughout the state that cannot be matched in any city. Miami can't Naples, can't Tampa can't you are art and culture Center of the state of Florida. The current Anderson uncertainty of the Performing Arts center is troubling. You know, that uncertainty is always an issue. So I don't have that under strengths because your cultural assets are so very, very important. Your healthcare facilities here. Wonderful your partnerships with the state in the spoke about and your schools, obviously, that universities here and your your your primary and secondary schools are absolutely. Part of the strength that Sarasota offers to any business looking to come into the area, obviously enhanced by the airport and the increase direct flights, which certainly is a draw for businesses. So on the CEO from Max Ben, New Hampshire, and it's called and I've got my 200 folks and I'm down for 2 weeks because of of snow. And in this type of thing. And I come down here for vacation with my family. Well, guess what? I think? Well, this would be a great place for me to start my business. Maybe my employees would like living in Florida. There's no income tax here. Those are some of the strengths that you want to make sure that you know about some of the opportunities there. Some several strong standouts here, education with wranglings tech component. The digital economy is going to provide jobs and opportunity. And that may be a consideration for the former Kennel Club site. Transportation improvements at the airport. Another opportunity. huge one is the expansion of Mote Marine. That is just a beautiful program that they have and your fruit feel complete straight initiative will be an economic incentive and provide connectivity and branding for the city. So those are some of the opportunities that you can leverage. Let's talk about some weaknesses. Climate issues, top the list here. With one of our 10 recommendations focusing on strategies to improve your communications and business programs for that type of issue. And then the next big went, obviously that you can do more about really is your 4 double housing. So we'll discuss that as we get into the recommendations. Just so, you know, when we met with the CEO for the hospital and his entire staff, talked to us about their their staff driving 90 minutes because they can't find housing here. That's a real concern. It is a weakness. We list the wealthy retirement haven. Was that a weakness? Because if that's a perception of who you are. Then its very hard for you to go entice that senior guy in the company to bring his family moved here. You know, if you are wealthy retirement haven, we love our wealthy retirement folks. And we're going to talk about how we're going to hopefully use them. They're great resource for you here. why do we list them as as as a weakness also because they tend to be part-time residents and so during peak season, you have higher traffic. This a strain on resource that has to be balanced throughout the year. Your your city manager and folks understand been peak of resources. That is a result of your seasonal residents and then the next one is the threats. Housing costs. Major weather event. Skilled labor shortage and competition from the region, which includes Tampa, Bradenton in North port. They're your competitors. So as Jacksonville, so as Naples. So as Miami and Fort Lauderdale in Pompano Beach and West Palm Beach, they're all your competitors show as we talk through the threats with these costs, you do everything you can to mitigate those threats and have an answer for them. So why Sarasota now we're going to get into kind of the meat of our our program here. So why Sarasota talks about when? Staff is talking to outside folks about why they should locate their business in Sarasota. You need to have that elevator speech. How you gonna do it? I want to know how wash and I watched come to Sarasota. Well. We've got a relatively smaller population. There's only 57,000 people within city limits. There's only 6600 businesses here, but I have 45% of my population with a bachelor's degree or higher. I have a 58%. White collar employment and I have median home values of 400 and $68,000. That is very high in the state of Florida. And then the next time that you talk about with with with these folks as well, Florida is the number 2 place in the country to do business in Sarasota has been listed is 10 best places to live and the 4th best place to retire. Show. According to U.S. News World Report to make the top of the list. The top 10, place had to have good value be a desirable place to live, have a strong job market and a high quality of life. Will you check the boxes that? Yeah, so but one of the and one of the things that they mention in Sarah said to be in the top best places. His arrest, Mayor district. They mention that in their findings, they say were at collecting murals, decorate storefronts and modern condominiums and hotels sit near casual breakfast. Can space and that came out of that rating. So cities across the country. Tom's going to talk in a few minutes about some of those best practices are adopting things to create a better live work play shop, Dine experience and there are strategies to achieve the A's. So tell us about some of the strategies that other cities are looking at. So these overall strategies taken from a lot of different publications such as you ally, the Urban Land Institute, American Planning Association, a PA. >> Your National League of Cities, Rockefeller Foundation, the Knight Foundation and really being resilient design and actions embracing density diversity. A mix of uses not through each month, striving to maintain authenticity of beautiful city. These are all elements that support the strengthening city and create a more livable engaged community. If we asked why Sarasota, we need to understand what other successful cities are doing and recognize that a lot of these a lot of these strategies played into that. The future of economic development lies embracing a more holistic and inclusive and adaptive approach. And as communities face increasingly complex challenges, economic developers must position themselves as key players in fostering resilient, equitable, prosperous communities. This require ongoing collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders. Those are your local residents. Your business is educational institutions. Your hospital and international partners. And we're going to take these recommendations. Were we're gonna look at the strategies and review our recommendations that lead towards the strategies. >> So our recommendations are overall strategies. This is not a plan. We do right? Strategic plans. But this is these are this was a market analysis and visioning study which will be the bases of your plan. But they are part of business retention expansion efforts, marketing and branding strategic planning and disaster recovery and resilience as it relates tradition to traditional economic development. So we looked at the goals for the city that are stated and we wanted to make sure that all of our recommendations complimented those goals that gave you path that you can achieve those goals. So along with the stakeholder input, it was important as we compile report to keep these overarching goals and keep in mind as that. People are the lifeblood of your city. So we wanted to find the urban environment by keeping it alive and dynamic. So several of the goal specifically are targets of our recommendations, including sound financial decisions and inclusive and diverse economy, economic stability and sustainability all building a climate for success. So remember, when we talked about traditional economic development, so for you to be considered serious economic development. department there's you do need to kind of go by the rules. So ADC. Organizations will have primary areas that they focus on and secondary focus that they focus on. So the to better define the foundation of your strategic plan. We have suggested primary and secondary focus areas. Now, if you'll notice is secondaries, our technology commercialization finance workforce development and international opportunities. Their secondary because other agencies focus on that. Those that those partnerships that I talked about earlier that you have with the Sarasota County and with other agencies throughout, for instance, careersource sun cause they they were wonderful to talk with us and spent time about with some of the things that they work on with workforce. So we'll get to recommendations, which is to number one. Promote local and small enterprises. Well, how do you do that? There are some ways you can conduct the business survey annually you can do on site visits. You already have some grants. You can look at other grants. Perhaps establish a program to provide short-term low-cost space to start ups and small businesses. I'm going to talk about that a little bit later when you will. having your development meetings with new projects. So and then consider some incentives for mixed use projects to include affordable retail spaces. I told you I came from a retail development background and when we went in with our mixed use project we are we want to do with was built where the money was and that was the residential units. want to build the retail. But city said they had to build a retail everywhere. We went. City had said you had to be rig count the day and tell us how to build it and they should have. Because all we did all the developer will do. Is Putin enough to satisfy the requirements of the city? As we talk about some of the you're you're zoning and your coats and everything. You want to tighten those up a little bit. Retailers today. If you got the next one for me, Iran retailers today are looking at new ways because the business environment has changed show you want to support their business environment. How understanding what the nuances are today. That includes data analytics retailers and distributors are using data analytics to offer personalized recommendations, enhanced customer experience. Immersive experiences. Retailers understand that they have to do that. Now, if you go into a really nice shop today, you'll you'll be greeted with a beautiful display and maybe you'll have so music going or maybe you'll have some samples to taste if you're going to market of some sort. So that's that immersive experience, retail and restaurants. They're looking at local sourcing and new technology. So those are some of the tools that retail and restaurants are looking for today. Cities that have used these mixed use development incentives to include affordable retail spaces are Pompano Beach, Jacksonville, Tampa and West Palm Beach. So when you're looking at, well, how do we implement something like that? Real easy. And and we know which cities have done it. So we're in contact with your department quite often and very happy to say, well, this city did it this way. You may want to look at that. It retails such a big part of Sarah said economy. The vice mayor had some questions as a result of Robert Gibbs presentation recently I worked Robert the past. He's absolutely awesome. He's one of the best. He really knows his stuff some of trends that Robert talked about and that are a part of our market analysis is a resurgence of physical retail stores, especially open air centers and mixed use developments. Look what Benderson is doing with the shopping center on the South Side don't remember the name crossing South side. They recognize that they want a mixed use environment there. It's no longer 2, 3 anchors with some small shops in a big parking lot out front. So the the retailers and developers understand mobile shopping has increased and it's becoming a dominant force. But that doesn't mean that you're brick and mortar stores are going away. 60% of retail is now done online. But a lot of it comes from on channel, which is that strategy behind mobile shopping? Which means that I'm gonna have a storefront and I'm going to have a size 2 and a size 10, but I can give you whatever size you need. Or I'm going to have a shop and I can have these electronic Senate and I a sample of each particular one. And which one would you like? It will be here tomorrow show. That's our retailers are looking at on the channel that that's part of that trend today. These environments, our support that growing focus on mental and physical health, which is embraced by society today. Now, I know that sounds a little off mental and physical health. It is every one of your restaurants today are mandated to have the calories. Nutrition offerings on the menu. But they also do a lot of the on their own. They're bringing these fresh offerings. They're bringing all these new things to the table because they understand that that's what the consumer design desires. When I was looking for some of research update. This report. I came across a new word that. See, where is that? I think it's functional, functional functional beverages. Well, that's come. Boucher. That is our the plant-based smoothie type things your functional beverages. So your coffee shops are getting on that. Bandwagon. You know what? That's one of the things we were talking about earlier with some of that education process. So there some new retailers that are in the area that we've shared your your team. That might be great opportunities for downtown Sarasota. They might be great opportunities for the Fayetteville area. Maybe the North Trail area. And I think the south is is pretty much. The market is driving those retailers. So that's really what you want is the market to drive the retail. So what stores are there and are they serving the surrounding community and who shops there? When planning retail? How do you serve your entire prop population will not just the people in your in your bubble in Sarasota, it's going to be upscale stores, which is a good thing because as a result of our economy that Uber rich people are spending money like crazy. They're they're buying, you know, $500 ship sets in. I guess that's a lot of think. I paid 180 and I thought I was going to die. But $500 she sheet sets and makeup and but the physical and wellness. Focus has brought about a change in the marketing materials that retailers today use. But there's a tipping point. Where there's Francis liquor licenses in the area. And to many restaurants in the area because if there's too many restaurants in the area, then you have that on balance so that that they're taking up all the parking and they're in there drinking and eating for 3 or 4 hours and the poor little shop down the street is is suffering. Studies show that 20% of your shopping area should be restaurants, not more than that. It's more than 20%. Your little balance so that that's a good thing to know. And it's also good to know that the millennials they don't like shopping in the suburbs. They want to come downtown. Apple launched these downtown locations because the young buyers are there so attractive storefronts for everything. Good landscaping, streetscape ING parking downtown serve said it doesn't right make people pay for the convenience parking outside the store but make them move on quickly, sir, put those time limits on that close parking in have plentiful low-cost garage parking with free time for short visits or however, you want to design it. But that parking is a big part of how this success moves forward. Now, let's talk about the second recommendation. A business and expansion program. Well, the purpose of a breath is to retain and expand existing businesses create new businesses, leverage industry clusters and to exploit business linkages and stabilize in Denver and diversify the tax base and improve the community's quality of life economic vitality. So as you talk about these business, an expansion programs is important for you to know the the craft beverage business is growing and expanding and there contributing to the vibrant scene in Florida. So there's 13 straight colonies is a distillery that is expanding rapidly. It's I have them on the list that I've provided your staff and then becoming a popular as event venues offside. So that traditional business that you went to meet with is not one necessarily that is going to be that expansion. But so when we're looking about expanding says we want to be looking at the North Trail area. We want to be looking at the East area of town and how do you expand those businesses? How do you help them? Well, the way you do it is is your team sits down with them. They're not typically part of your chamber of commerce. Most of most of general population thinks you're chamber of commerce. That's your business community. Well, it is your business community. Typically that are your insurance providers are bankers, your real estate folks are restaurants and your retailers, but it's not your businesses that are having an office with 2030 employees and maybe they're doing finance. Maybe they're doing counting. Maybe they're an engineering firm and those of the firms that should be on your radar. Those are the ones you want sit down and talk with. And it's no, it's not an it's not a negative. Not a negative, that they're not part of the chamber. They traditionally are not part of the chamber. But if you think you're talking the chamber, there's more to talk to in addition to the chamber for a business retention and expansion program. So our recommendation is develop your workforce training and education programs with Ringling College of Art Design, New College of Florida, Florida State University, Sarasota Suncoast hack and the State College of Florida. These institutions contribute to the local economy. It is important for your team to be in contact with them what you need, what can we do? How can we help you? And it would be amazing. Like I said earlier with your retirees that are here with the depth of your staff and the people who live here in Sarasota that you'll be able to offer some things to the colleges that they weren't thinking about. That might come from city. And the next thing is number 4, I love it because it's a big basket. Diversify the economy. What is a diversified economy? It's that mix of various industries and sectors that contribute to the city's economic stability and growth. So your traditional sectors or tourism and health care real estate along with art and culture. The real estate market here shows the demand for both residential and commercial properties with a tremendous increase in luxury homes. Retirement, Honda's and mixed use projects. What we don't want to miss. This a side of the city because the opportunities on the east side of the city are probably bigger than they are at any place else. You've got the golf course that this city just. Fairly recently acquired. And you guarantee that it will be green space in perpetuity, which was great move. Smith Stadium. That's another draw for residents and visitors and family as well as businesses offering outings for employees. So capitalized on the draw of these regional assets of the Baltimore Orioles. I think they have their spring training at Ed Smith. Capitalize on that. That's part of your economic development. That's part of your of your elevator speech when you're mating with that, that CEO who happens to love baseball and he happens to be from that area. So knowing that and knowing these things are just a big part of some of the things that you can contribute, too. We're going talk about some of these targeted strategies. That for that diversifying the economy. Really want to? And for sun and strengthen your infrastructure, transportation, utilities and workforce education. area surrounding Marina. Jack offers opportunity 4 boating-related events and competitions. I mentioned earlier that we met with Doctor Thompson with Ringling and North Trail Plaza is is big opportunity. And in so meeting and talking with them about they for future and what that could possibly be. We want to show them the bigger picture. You know, they're focused on their education and and and how they're going to get that done. Maybe we show them that bigger picture. So we bring in what Tom was talking about, where those strategies for successful cities. So how can we help you do this? So we recognize the large tracts of of development land in the city that just are not available. And also the competitive nature of economic development throughout the region. So you have to be creative and resourceful and your economic development efforts. The redevelopment of the federal building with a focus on Nick shoes. But again, you want to drive out one. You want understand what that could be, how it could benefit the community because property like that in within the downtown area is priceless. Now we're going they're going to put a price tag on it. But trust me, it's priceless. Because what comes out of the ground there is going to have a footprint on your city for the next 50, 60 years. And you need to be a part of that. I think outside of the box consider using university programs to provide strategies for redevelopment of assets like that. Doctor Englund talk to new college. The other universities. Maybe they want to do a program that takes the federal building in says talk, show those brilliant students. What do we do with us mega project for them for that for semester. I know this next picture is ambitious and I I really think that it can happen here. That is a corporate headquarters on the left in Jacksonville, Florida, right downtown on the river corporate headquarters. You guys have got so much more going for you here. I promise you so. I was really it. Florida is home to 22 Fortune 500 companies. But now what a business headquarters look for today. They want to have quality of life. A robust infrastructure, a diverse talent poll and a pro business climate and housing for employees and workforce training or issues that will need to be addressed to land a corporate headquarters. But you can do it. The programs can be put in place to track that corporate headquarters again on the right. That's innovation district. Part of that is that tech Georgia Tech in downtown Atlanta and the former Kanaka Papa T. I know a lot of folks are saying, well, gee, wonder what could be there was so close to the net to the to the airport. Thank you. close to the airport. Well, what if we did something like that? What if you had an innovation district there? That was a business park in technology, campus. So develop a conversation with the property owner to offer assistance for development based on targeted uses for the site. This this mixtures Tech park includes elements including first floor retail multi-modal circulation, public green space and office uses said these parts are sometimes called innovation districts. But this development of a tech park or hop should encourage disparate sectors and disciplines, thereby encouraging collaborative research conversation and cross-cutting technology is set according to the Bass Initiative on Innovation in Place, making the magic in the mix of innovation districts comes from aligning incentives between these and other public, private academic and civic. It's a 2 shuns. That's part of diversifying the economy. The next recommendation is to look at some disaster recovery and resiliency programs the recent storm events have emphasized the need for regulations that protect the environment while adding value to the community and future resiliency is a big, important topic for a program. Some of the resources that are available, that the next one. Sorry, rebuild Florida is a program of Florida commerce that that really focuses on businesses. Of course, you have FEMA, but there's a whole list of provided to in our report list of resources for businesses that they need to be able to access those resources in the event of a disaster. So we have to figure out ways that they can do that. And there are some some technology advances today that will help businesses plug-in together and be able to communicate. They all work together. All these agencies to support planning in Florida, offering offering guidance. So this is it a graphic that the U.S. Department of Energy has and they actually have tools and resources for cities with step-by-step guides for uses. Now, I know this is a small slide. This was their first. They're graphic. I did not design this, but what it talks about is if you're talking about grocery stores, what do you need to do to make those grocery stores a little bit more resilient? Well, you insulate the was a little bit more and said that you use more efficient refrigeration components. So that in the event of a loss of power and you're on dis on generators. Your generator usage is not so high. That's huge. That generator usage. I'm sure you all found out was was through the roof here. So how can you how can it you're going to have outages. How do you mitigate outages that that sometimes with the building supplies said the energy resilient City is another tool that the city manager can use to just look at some of these things, maybe talk a lot of them. You're already doing so. Congratulations number 6. Leverage, connectivity and cultural assets again and Sarasota and motion, which is the city's transportation master plan, focuses on expanded transportation options and vehicular bicycle and pedestrian safety connectivity plans as well as other significant actions. This plan provides a platform for infrastructure improvements that will benefit and it's says economic development efforts. Another concern heard from the public input was addressing downtown inside Saint Armands parking issues that can be alleviated with some additional actions. So your program is great. We commend you on that. That. first bullet point. Talk briefly about. I think that's probably where your biggest weakness is. Is. The welcoming. If you're gateway signage. I don't think you have it. I don't know that there's any Gateway signage that says welcome to Sarasota. If there is, I've missed it. You have these phenomenal roundabouts with this public art. That is off the chart. Gorgeous. But if I'm coming in from fruitful, I don't know when I'm here. So we think that that is a weakness. That is something that you can easily and one of the things that would benefit a lot, it would benefit the business in the fruitful area. Given them more of an identity and it May. I'll show you in the Visioning section. Maybe provide better pedestrian accessibility and safety features. If you did it in the form of a crossover walkway across your major entrance roads. that's number 6 to number 7. Brand and promote district identities. So we are recommending that you consider developing a wellness distric and what that means is that this wellness district is focused on holistic health, integrating physical, mental social and environmental wellness into the fabric of the community. So while healthcare and wellness services RK components, wellness spaces, which are designed to prom. Also part of the equation. So active transportation options. That's part of the equation Wellness District, which encourage cycling walking in public transportation. So a wellness district just thinking out loud, anchored by Sarasota Memorial and Southside Village and the new Spine Wellness facilities being developed in the South area is a special taxing district where the proceeds support the healthy living programs and street improvements. Encourage residents in the district to walk and bike to work and to classes focused on wellness. One of the first cities in the country to be actually receive wellness certification is Tampa. And their water Street district. So we gave some examples of that in our report. The Water Street District in Tampa. And because of that, the businesses there are doing. Big numbers, especially in that wellness industry, which is a trillion-dollar industry. So when you think of wellness, you want to think of not just medical and dental, you want to think of spots, physical fitness facilities. You want to think of your your beauty salons, all of the things that are part of living today that holistic living we were talking about earlier. So that's part of what this wellness community is. We mentioned earlier the Rosemary District was called out. When it was when you were listed as one of the top 10 places to live. Number 8. Talk to us about zoning and land use ordinance that support urban development. Sure that there's a lot back in the I think that. >> Bolstering you're really planning and zoning your complainers. Only car. You're tools too geared towards the development that you want to see and incentivize what you're what you're trying to get to in the long term. Zoning land use ordinances should support compact urban development, encourage hybrid work environments that you smaller footprints, thus create some resiliency for market changes. As you have smaller footprints and you have that hybrid. I know right now coming out of COVID, there was a huge shift towards hybrid. Some people are going back into the office. lot of folks that I talked to around the country. I do work in in Denver and in Orlando I've done a lot of work around the country and a lot of folks are still of that hybrid environments. I think that as you try to attract other businesses and make communities that are still walkable and where you can age in place. Having that, that hybrid environment and smaller building footprints may be encouraging. Office spaces that are more says you see a lot of cities incentivizing this where you have your work spaces where multiple people can come in rent office spaces. The should be incentivize ground floor activation, even outside the downtown, along along 41 North Trail. I know that the plan departments done a great job of creating the urban mixed use gearing incentives for that. But even along Fruitville along South Tamiami to get more of the ground floor activation would would helps spark development those areas. It also enhances safety and promotes an environment that allows individuals to age in place. Another incentive is really finding ways. I know we're gonna talk about this later. But using, as I mentioned your code as a tool, see what you want. Finding ways to incentivize smaller units. That allows for the flexibility for remote workers, but also. The small units encourage younger residents. You you I reviewed by development for the city for 2 years. And I can say that I don't think I ever saw, you know, under 1200 square feet in the downtown. And that's wilds me. If you think back to when a lot of you are starting off, I don't know how many people their first apartment was 1200 square feet. I mean, I saw apartments and condos that were 8,000 Square feet being constructed and a lot of your folks out of college that are going to be your remote workers that are going to spark development or or business to relocate here are going to be needing to be in those smaller spaces but as Limon shun, a lot of these, lot of them larger retail spaces like Apple like to be located in the downtown because that's where the younger buyers are. The younger buyers, new places to live, though that are reasonable and a reasonable size. I think really the slide just I encourage you to use your your planning and zoning your comp plan your years. Owning code to get to develop new, want to see in and to really have that open communication with developers to understand what is it going to take for deals to go through with land values being so expensive to make those deals go through but also get the product that you guys want. Thank you, Tom. >> Branding and marketing. Place branding. And you're hearing a lot about it. Placemaking place branding. But it's not about a logo or slogan development, but it is a community-wide strategy. On what distinguishes Sarasota from other places as well as an effort to effectively communicate and create or preserve that unique destination experience. It's about your story. Number 10 is about. Investing in attainable housing. Tom was just talking about some smaller units will micro units. And here's a picture of one of top right. in the downtown core would provide more attainable housing options for younger generations. A new trail plaza is a great example of workforce housing develop that supported by the city. And that and that would do a lot to increase air said his economic viability because then if you've got some obtainable housing, if you've got some places for those folks that work at the hospital and you provide the services for this area, then you're going to at be able to check that other box, which out of 10 boxes. I think we only have 2 that we can check so that that's a big plus for you is attainable housing. There are some zoning things that you can do. There's ups owning which allows for that higher density housing. This creates more units without expanding the city's footprint reduce parking requirements. That's something that every city needs to look at because things have changed. Okay. You no longer have the 2 cars and the the family with the 2 kids. So you to look at what the reality of today is density bonuses. Cities can offer developers the ability to build more units than normally allowed in exchange for a certain percentage of affordable units. And we've done that throughout the state of Florida. Adrian was involved with several projects where they they really needed that affordable housing component. And so that's what we did. We put together a program that gave them those density bonuses. And in said that they could build there project just this streamlined approval process. You actually have a very good permitting and approval process process. We talked to a lot of folks about it waiting to hear the horror stories. We didn't hearing horror stories. We heard the normal. Mountain that, well, it takes forever to did. This became was when did you have everything completed? Well, not and have quite that part done. So they came back to me. So you're going to hear that you are you on the dais are going to hear you're permitting. no, it's not. And you want permitting that that's that's that sure. Raines, those are the ryens on those developers and they need those range. We talked about new trail plaza unanimously approved 1 million dollars for the development of 400,000 and federal. Home Partnership program funds and 600,000 in state Housing initiative, partner, worship funds. And these best practices in Clayton Daybook hating some of those other city efforts which we talked about. I think we also have laughs. A lemon and emeralds park place. And those are some of the units that we know that are coming about. That is the recommendations. We're going. Three-quarters through with the presentation. And Adrian is going to talk to you because she spearheaded this entire project from start to finish and she knows it like the back of her hand. Thanks to him. Where would you like to take a break before they get into the market? And was just just thinking that before we do that, sure everybody would appreciate So.