REDERICKSBURG ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 706 Caroline Street Fredericksburg, VA 22401  (540)3 372-1216 (540)372-6587Fax  ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA) MINUTES  September 16, 2024 The Publisher Hotel 711 William St. Fredericksburg, VA 22401  8:30 a.m. e Regular Meeting and Board Retreat  The Economic Development Authority of the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia met in regular session and a Board retreat on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 8:31 a.m. at' The Publisher Hotel, 711 William St., Fredericksburg, VA EDA MEMBERS. PRESENT. Chair Beth Black presiding, Joel Griffin, Anita Crossfield, Mitzi Brown (8:36  22401.  a.m.), Meredith Schatz, Suzy Stone, and) Kevin Hughes.  ABSENT. None.  ALSO. PRESENT. Hyperbole: John Simms; Fredericksburg Parent: Leigh Anne Vanl Doren and Laura Carter; EDA Counsel: Jackson Key; EDA Assistant: Jordan Seurattan; Department of] Economic Development and Tourism: Josh Summits, Director of] Economic Development and' Tourism; MC Morris, Assistant Director of Tourism; Amy Peregoy, Economic Development Manager; Danelle Rose, Tourism Marketing and Communications  Manager.  DETERMIMATIONOP QUORUM. Anita Crossfield.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA. Chair Black struck item 8c., FY '25-26 Update to Economic Development MOTION by Suzy Stone, seconded by Kevin Hughes, the amended agenda was approved: Ayes (6); Nays (0);  Strategic Plan, from the agenda. Absent from Vote: (1-Brown). PUBLICCOMMENTS. None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES.  MOTION by Suzy Stone, seconded by Kevin Hughes for the regular meeting minutes from August 12, 2024 MOTION by Kevin Hughes seconded by Suzy Stone for the special meeting minutes from September 4, 2024  wereapproved: Ayes (6); Nays (0); Absent from Vote: (1-Brown). were approved: Ayes (6); Nays (0); Absent from' Vote: (1-Brown).    Page 20 of5 September 16, 2024  TREASURER'S. REPOR7. Mr. Hughes reports the accounts are up to date, nothing outstanding. He notes the August report being given at the September meeting does not reflect the motion thel board approved during the Special Meeting on September 4. That motion willl be reflected in the September report at the October board meeting. Mr. Hughes also noted thel board's higher than usual cash balance of $348,447.50 is duet to the Sports  Tourism Fund of$100,000 arriving in the account.  OLD. BUSINESS. None. STAFF REPORT.  a. Dominion Letter Update Mr. Summits informed EDAI board members that thel letter tol Dominion Energy to contract an electricity feasibility study fort the proposed data center project at Celebrate Virginia Southi is currently under counsel review. Thel letter outlines the City'si intent, with support from the EDA, to engage Dominion Energy in assessing thei feasibility ofe extending power across thei interstate to support potential development. City staffhave indicated that the letter is expected to be finalized and sent tol Dominion! Energy by Friday, September 20, 2024. Once received, Dominion Energy willl begin their 4-61 month study, whichi isa crucial stepi in determining the viability ofmoving forward with data center development ini this area. MOTION by Kevin Hughes, seconded by Mitzi Brown to authorize the Chair to sign the letter on behalfof the Economic Development Authority, initiating the process of conducting a feasibility study with Dominion b. Overview of City Council Priorities. Mr. Summits reported that City Council is currently reviewing their priorities, whichi include creating an inclusive community that values racial equity. The focus is on developing a high-tech, research and development-driven economy that enhances employment opportunities while preserving the city's historic character and promoting tourism. The City aims toj provide essential public services, emphasizing infrastructure improvements tos support growth and ensure al high quality ofl life through responsive safety, health, and social services. Education is another topi priority, with collaboration between the City, local schools, and] higher education institutions to support lifelong learning and workforce development. The City is committed tol historic preservation inj partnership with the National Park Service and other stakeholders. Cultural vibrancy and environmental sustainability are alsol key goals, witha commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy, conservation, and environmentally responsible development. Additionally, the Citys seeks to implement cutting-edge transportation solutions that enhance connectivity within Fredericksburg and the broader region. A full report willl be shared upon City Council's c. Overview ofComp Plan Amendments. Mr. Summits provided an update regarding ongoing revisions to the City's Comprehensive Plan, led primarily by the Planning Department." The revision process began earlier this year andi is expected tol be completed by May 2025.. A significant portion oft the effort involves updates to Chapter 6: Business Opportunities, which addresses the Strategic Plan within the Comprehensive Plan. This chapter assesses the City'se economic strengths, challenges, and business development opportunities. Currently, thel business development section oft the Comprehensive Plan outlines 171 business goals, 7 opportunity policies, and 401 business opportunity initiatives. City staff, inc coordination with planning staff, are: reviewing these elements toi make recommendations for revisions. Thel EDA board willl be engaged ini the review process between November and. January, during which a workshop will be held toj present the proposed changes and gather input. The revised recommendations are expected tol bei incorporated intot the Comprehensive Plan by early 2025, likely. January or February. Additionally, Mr. Summits noted that while comprehensive reviews are typically conducted every 10 years, ongoing revisions can occur as needed.  Energy: Ayes (7); Nays (0).  authorization oft the final draft of these priorities.  Further updates willl be shared with the board ini the coming months.  NEW BUSINESS.  a. Amend EDA Bylaws - Mr. Keyi introduced proposed amendments to the EDA bylaws, noting that a formal proposal willl be made at al later meeting. The amendments include updating the EDA office address, aligning    Page: 3of5 September 16, 2024  remote meeting attendance with city policy, clarifying committee descriptions, andi requiring two signatures from EDA officers for check validations. A significant discussion centered around board membership criteria, specifically whether members must live or own a business in Fredericksburg (22401) or ifeligibility could extend to business owners fromi neighboring counties inl Planning District 16 (PD16), which includes Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline, and King George. EDA members supported offering al board seat toi non- resident business owners who own and operate a business(s) in the City of Fredericksburg, emphasizing the importance of fostering local business investment. The Board indicated it would prioritize small business owners with aj primary hubi int the City rather than large corporations or satellite offices. Chair Black, with board consensus, decided one seat would be available, though noti reserved, for eligible business owners from 22401 or PD16. Counsel and Chair Black willj present the recommendation to City Council at ai future work b. Revenue. Resources - Mr. Summits led a discussion on exploring additional revenue sources fort the Fredericksburg EDA, where he emphasized the importance ofi integrating EDA involvement with the city's development strategy and highlighted several areas of opportunity. Firstly, thej planning departmenti is finalizing a corridor revitalization study, which willj provide insights into legacy shopping corridors and may reveal opportunities for EDA involvement. Additionally, $25,000 of the $100,000 allocated fromi the city will be used for a comprehensive sports tourism study aimed at assessing existing facilities andi identifying gaps. This study will inform potential development of] larger sports facilities ini the City. Mr. Summits expanded on the ongoing discussions around downtown parking referencing a 2017 studyt that analyzed parking needs in the area. Thel EDA will revisit recommendations for additional parking structures and consider whether to update the 2017 study to reflect current dynamics. Finally, thel EDA has previously engaged with city-owned properties, and there may be future opportunities for greenfield development. Mr. Summits concluded this discussion by encouraging continued collaboration between the EDA and city administration to explore these revenue opportunities, emphasizing thei importance ofactive participation from the EDA: moving forward. C.G Grant Program Discussion - Chair Black raised concerns about the current grant program and the need for clearer guidelines to assist applicants. The open-ended nature oft the program prompted a consensus on establishing structured criteria to enhance clarity and fairness. Members proposed specific eligibility requirements, such as limiting applicants to one grant application at a time and excluding operational costs from funding eligibility, instead focusing grants on new: initiatives and events. Thel Board noted a trend of previously submitted applications lacking sufficient detail and suggested remedial measures including, implementing designated application periods biannually, establishing caps on award amounts, andj providing clearer guidelines on eligible projects to foster a competitive and equitable environment. After reviewing last year's grant criteria, the Board agreed that staff would refine the guidelines for further review. MOTION by Mitzi Brown, seconded by Suzy Stone toi impose a moratorium on new grant applications until the updated criteria are established, while allowing the processing of the three existing applications filed d. Strengthening UMW Relationship Ms. Schatz opened a discussion about strengthening the EDA's relationship with the University ofl Mary Washington by exploring potential marketing collaborations. She highlighted the possibility of creating ai formal internship program that would allow UMW students to work with downtown businesses, helping them enhance their marketing efforts, particularly in social media. Several members expressed support for this idea, emphasizing the importance off fostering connections between students and local businesses. Mr. Griffin suggested forming a committee to explore job opportunities for students in the community, while others noted that UMW's Communication and] Digital Studies program could provide valuable resources fors suchi initiatives. Ms. Schatz also proposed aj potential opportunity to contract a company that specializes in creating immersive virtual tours for localities, which could be beneficial in further promoting the City ofl Fredericksburg. Members considered the feasibility ofaj public-private partnership to fund the initiative and expressed interest inj pursuing further discussions with regional stakeholders. e. Media Policy - Ms. Brown initiated a discussion on the recent uptick ini media interest surrounding thel EDA, noting its benefits and complications, andj proposed establishing ai formal media policy that designates as single point of contact for all media inquiries. Mr. Griffin underscored the need for as structured approach and  session.  under the existing framework: Ayes (7); Nays (0).    Page 4 of5 September 16, 2024  expressed concerns about making the Chair solely responsible for media responses. Ms. Brown clarified that official EDA responses should come from designatedi representatives, while acknowledging individual board members arei freet to share personal views with media. Thel Board agreed on drafting a structured media policy to streamline communication and wouldi includel board members must inform each other about individual media interactions they have concerning EDA work. Thel board concluded this discussion by proposing the creation of ac dedicated email address explicitly for media inquiries to ensure consistent messaging moving forward. REDCO Service Agreement - Ms. Peregoy: reported that the existing service agreement thel EDA! has with REDCO, the company responsible for the underwriting of InvestFXBG Loan Program, is due to expire. Ms. Peregoy stated the program. has not changed, therefore the agreement before thel board is the same agreement MOTION by Meredith Schatz, seconded by Joel Griffin to authorize Chair Black to execute the new: service  thej program currently operates under. agreement with) REDCO: Ayes (7); Nays (0). COMMITTEE &. LLAISONREPORIS.  a. City Relations Committee - No update. This committee plans to meeti in October.  b. InvestFXBG Loan Committee - Ms. Crossfield reported one recipient has completed their last payment and has agreed toj participate in a promotional video about the InvestFXBG Loan) Program. Another recipient is late on their September payment, and there is one strong applicant that this committee willl be ready to discuss c.Parking Improvements - Mr. Griffin reported the committee is still in the process of reviewing the materials and documentation provided by the City and they plan to make ai formal recommendation at the October  in October. meeting.  d.. Strategic. Investments - No update. e. Workforce Development - No update. Tourism- - No update.  g. Main Street- - For past Main Street programming, Ms. Browni reported that the City's first "Second Saturday," ar retail-focused event encouraging shops to stay open later, was a success and downtown businesses marked improved business on that day. This event, named Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice shop crawl, had 16] participating local businesses and over 100t total attendees. In October, Ms. Brown highlighted that Fredericksburg Main Street is conducting al learning event forl local business owners on the h. Marketing and Promotions Chair Black reported that the committee! had aj productive monthly meeting with thel help of city staff. The committee researched and discussed hiring aj public relations firm to evaluate Fredericksburg's current marketing and promotions strategies andi make recommendations to the EDA about target and missing markets. Reports on the firm's findings willl be made available tol EDA members and EDT MOTION by Suzy Stone, seconded by Mitzi Brown to authorize EDA counsel to review thel Public Relations contract, and upon completion of that review, to authorize Chair Black to sign the contract and hire the iUnhoused Population - Chair Black informed the board that the letter they approved was sent to City Council ins support of creating a Street Outreach position to serve the community. The. EDA members expressed a deep commitment to continuing to support the unhoused members oft the community in a way  power of event marketing and innovative programs.  staff. Ms. Rose offered an overview of the firm and Public Relations contract.  Public Relations firm. Ayes (7); Nays (0).    Page 5 of5 September 16, 2024  befitting thel EDA's mission. After extensive, careful discussion, EDA: members agreed thel best way to accomplish this is to support the vast network of community partners and non-profit organizations that are deeply committed toj preserving dignity and providing resources for unhoused neighbors in) Fredericksburg. Chair Black made the clear distinction that the unhoused community are not the members oft the community who are repeat offenders of vagrancy. The vagrancy issue is the one most seriously affecting local businesses, and that is where thel EDA's attention could be mosti impactful and within the purview oftheir mission and values. As al result oft this discussion, EDA members decided to dissolve. the Unhoused Population Committee and create al Business Relations Committee to address thes needs and concerns of downtown business owners.  Mr. Griffin and Ms. Schatz will sit on thel Business Relations Committee.  BOARD. MEMBER COMMENTS. None.  ADJOURMMENT: Therel beingr no further business to come before the Economic Development Authority at this  time, Chair Beth Black declared the meeting officially adjourned at 11:00a.m.  Anita Crossfield,  -  Secretary