2016 Economic Development & Intergovernmental Relations Committee Priorities

In response to your memorandum of December 22, 2015 soliciting priorities for the Economic Development & Intergovernmental Relations Committee, I urge your careful consideration of the following:
Policy for use of RPTTF funds to primarily fund revitalization efforts in economically disadvantaged areas:

The Committee should discuss the most appropriate use of RPTTF funds for FYI 7 and beyond. A FYI 7 budget recommendation should be made and forwarded to the Mayor and the Budget & Government Committee on how this funding should be utilized this year.

Update Council Policy 900-01:
The Committee should discuss and consider an amendment to Council Policy 900-01 that will direct how RPTTF funding should be allocated to ensure areas requiring economic development efforts receive the proper amount of revenue from the RPTTF disbursements in order to fund capital projects and incentive programs that will spur economic development activity.

Creation of Community Revitalization and Investment Authority and Area:
The passage of AB 2 (Alejo), Community Revitalization Authority, has created a funding mechanism that provides for the planning and financing tools to invest in and support the revitalization of economically distressed communities. The committee should consider creation of an action plan to take the preliminary steps necessary initiate the process to create a San Diego Community Revitalization and Investment Authority and Area. Moving forward on utilizing AB2 would ensure San Diego makes use of the tools provided by the state to invest in areas that require enhanced financial investment to encourage urban revival efforts. Additionally, the return of redevelopment area CDBG funding received by the city from the state should be considered for funding the creation of a Community Revitalization and Investment Authority and Area.

Comprehensive Support and Reform for Small Businesses:
The Committee should bring forward a package of reforms to Municipal Code and departmental regulations that will ease burdens on our small businesses, such as insurance requirements, bidding procedures, and expedited services. These reforms should be paired with a new program that provides access to capital for small businesses.

Economic Development Strategy for Otay Mesa:
Otay Mesa is a hub for manufacturing given its strategic location near the border. In 2014 alone, $3 9 billion of commerce activity flowed through the Otay Mesa area. Transportation successes, such as Point of Entry realignment and progress on southbound truck traffic have the area poised to play an even bigger role in the economic development of our bi-national region. As an early and fervent supporter of further expansion in this area, I encourage this committee to join me in exploring partnerships with relevant state and federal agencies, businesses, and non-profits; building incentive packages; and bringing forward capital improvements to infrastructure to support this growing area, which includes both local small businesses as well as large multi­national corporations.

‍