Economic Development
Economic Development
- (w/ C. Broderick) Req. City Mgr. explore potential expansion of Lowell Stat Program to analyze public safety, quality of life and economic indicators in the downtown and neighborhood business districts.
- (w/ C. Mendonca) Req. Mgr. report on potential partnership with UML on the Gig. U University Community Next Generation Innovation Project.
- (w/ C. Kennedy) Req. City Council support a resolution, drafted by the law department, to join the city manager in opposition to the proposed cuts to MBTA service.
- (w/ C. Broderick) Req. Mgr. report on renovation of city website to encourage greater use of online services, new forms of public engagement and increased potential for marketing and business development.
- Req. Mgr. reconsider network of transit overlay districts with adjusted minimum parking requirements to encourage neighborhood business or affordable housing development with thorough transportation demand management plans.
- Req. Mgr. report on potential of community benefit agreements for future large-scale urban renewal or development projects.
- Req. Mgr. provide update on Tanner Street Initiative and plan for public participation.
- Req. Mgr. report on development of public Wi-Fi zones, particularly within the proposed Cultural District.
- Req. Mgr. review home business zoning regulations to potentially allow more employees and spur local job growth.
- Req. Mgr. report on progress in making procurement decisions consistent with Local & Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy.
- Req. Mgr. explore potential of a formal economic gardening initiative, GrowLowell, in partnership with UMass Lowell Management Dept and others.
- Req. Mgr. report on job performance of TIF agreements and potential policy of reinvestment of new growth due to TIFs into economic development efforts.
- Req. Mgr. work with LRTA and Youth Council to identify potential adjustments to bus service in order to increase work opportunities.
- Req. Mgr./CFO provide Council with annual report referenced in the city investment policy and analysis of potential percentage preference for local community banks and credit unions.
- Req. Mgr./DPD develop formal guidelines with the City Council on the future use of tax increment financing plans, particularly with respect to living wage and environmental standards.
- Req. Mgr. explore potential of a system of bus shelters and bicycle racks with the LRTA and have DPD review corresponding plan for transit-overlay districts surrounding them.
- Req. Mgr. have DPD review Historic District restrictions when in conflict with energy efficiency retrofits.
- Req. Mgr. have appropriate depts report on event permitting, fee and invoice policies.
- Req. Mgr. have DPD provide disaggregated data on Best Retail Practices Program.
- Req. Mgr. report on current procurement policies with regard to the purchase of local and recycled products.
- Req. Mgr. explore establishing Neighborhood Venture Fund and widen outreach efforts for existing grant and loan programs.
- Req. Mgr. report on plans and progress toward a city-wide Sustainability Plan and MA Green Community status.
