Agenda Item 1 - Economic Development Districts – Follow-up from Board Retreat

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34 37 infrastructure. If we want to change the formula, then also should be talking about our small business loan program, which is not as active as I had thought it would be. Let's put all this in the context of a larger economic development strategy. 3:45 Retreat Wrap Up Last thoughts from each person at the table reflecting on the retreat, including what worked well, what to consider doing differently in future retreats? Each person at the table had the opportunity to share their last thoughts: Commissioner Rich — I always get something good from our retreats. It is helpful to talk freely and to learn. The room does not have good acoustics, so I don't think I would want to return to this location. Otherwise a good day. Commissioner Dorosin — I appreciate everyone's candor. I think it would be better to have more engagement from staff, at least to have staff sitting closer so that it would be more conducive for staff to participate. There was more presentation today than I would have wanted. I value the back and fourth among us. I wonder if next year the presentations could be provided at a Board meeting prior to the retreat or as material to review in advance. Resource people could be available for questions, but not to present. I liked having the focus today on a single or two related topics; these were the right topics to take up now. Finally, I think we need to consider our messaging: how what we talk about gets talked about. The facilitator did a good job. Commissioner Burroughs — The "appreciation" ice breaker at the start helped us to disagree comfortably later in the day. I liked the presentations here, in real time. They focused my mind and kept the material fresh for our conversations. I wish you all luck next year! Commissioner Marcoplos — I find it valuable and satisfying to have these kinds of discussions, to have ancillary ideas arise from our back and forth. I think we should have a conversation about our communications: how we communicate, how our ideas get communicated, how our policies get explained, how we operate in this new media environment. Thanks to all in attendance. This was a great event. Mr. Myren — It was a great discussion. We got sufficient direction. I look forward to putting together the budget. Ms. Hammersley — This was very helpful to us, and for the team that is here today. We do not see the challenges as a negative. It is always the case that there are not enough resources to do everything we want. This meeting today was beneficial because the Board's input to us is very important. We heard from you today, before we enter the budget process, and that will make the coming process even better than the ones we have had before — which you have told me you have appreciated. It is scary when you see gaps, but we're going to balance the budget. It does not have to be painful as long as we are honest about what we can do and what we cannot do. Thank you for today. Commissioner Price — Today has been informative. I appreciate the Chair's focus on "where we are going." That's what retreats are for: talking about the future. Not doom and gloom. There is a horizon ahead, and as long as we are moving toward it then we will make progress. Commissioner Jacobs — I always enjoy the conversation. I don't think we have ever figured out how to involve the staff in such a way that it is worth their time to be here. I appreciate that so many members of the staff came and listened. The more you can hear our conversations the