Presentation
Mr. Goldman stated that two pieces of public testimony were submitted to staff prior to the meeting, both of which were shared with the Commission (see attachment #1).

Sandra Slattery, Executive Director of the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the diversification strategies being considered by the City to revitalize the economy following the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chamber of Commerce employed the services of ECONorthwest, which also conducted the City’s Housing Production Strategy (HPS) study, to assist in identifying potential revitalization strategies.

Ms. Slattery stated that the Chamber and ECONorthwest conducted a study and developed an actionable plan, while also engaging in public out-reach to garner feedback from the community. Through these methods ECONorthwest and the Chamber were able to develop a plan that utilized the strengths and weaknesses of the City. Ms. Slattery stated that this resulted in the development of a plan with four core pillars to increase the economic diversification of the City; 1) fostering business growth by improving public sector collaboration, supporting specialty districts, and establishing small batch Ashland; 2) diversifying tourism by providing more opportunities for residents to engage with nature and the community; 3) rediscovering downtown by investing in public spaces; 4) expanding the City’s talent pool by hiring qualified workers to fill vacancies in the workforce, particularly in health care.

Questions
Commissioner Knauer asked if the Chamber spoke with business owners about the types of buildings they look for and want to see developed more. Ms. Slattery responded that they ensured that developers were present during the process, who were able to provide valuable feedback for the study. Commissioner Knauer asked if the City had that building space available, and Ms. Slattery responded that it would need to be built.

 Commissioner MacCracken Jain asked how the Chamber and ECONorthwest identified the four pillars in their presentation. Ms. Slattery responded that they were developed through the study and as part of the public outreach process. She added that some of the priorities identified could evolve in the future and as the City’s goals change. She emphasized that it will be a fluid process.

Chair Verner asked what the implementation timeframe would be. Ms. Slattery stated that separate groups handling the different pillars have already begun to establish their own timelines, with some groups also creating subcommittees to assist in the implementation process.

Commissioner Perkinson inquired about the challenges to implementation that the City could face. Ms. Slattery responded that ECONorthwest determined that success would be dependent upon the coordinated efforts of both staff and the participating committees. Commissioner Perkinson asked how the community would be involved in the process, and Ms. Slattery replied that the Chamber has an extensive and multi-layered communications plan to inform the community, including utilizing social media. Councilor Hyatt added that the Chamber has a record of successfully convening partners and that the Council is has heard the call from the community to revitalize the downtown area.

Commissioner Knauer commended Ms. Slattery for her report, but lamented the lack of a core objective. Ms. Slattery agreed, stating that the values of the community will help guide the initiatives. She emphasized the importance of community members like the Commission in helping drive those conversations. She commented that ECONorthwest is excited about the Chamber’s work, and that the goals and initiatives will evolve as time goes on.

Chair Verner invited Ms. Slattery to return in a year to give the Commission an update on the Chamber’s progress.

Public Testimony
Michael Orendurff/Mr. Orendurff commended the Chamber’s plan, but stated there were some aspects unaccounted for in its study. He implored the City to develop a plan to make biking more accessible and safer in the City, citing economical, environmental, and safety reasons for encouraging cycling and the creation of dedicated bike lanes.

Presentation
Chair Bryan Sohl of the Climate & Environmental Policy Advisory Committee (CEPAC) provided the Commission with a brief update regarding legislation to reduce greenhouse emissions. He was encouraged by Climate Friendly Areas (CFA) guidelines that promote pedestrian-safe works, but stated that Oregon is significantly behind in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Chair Sohl voiced his support for an ordinance developed by young activists to eliminate the use of gas in all new commercial and residential developments in the City. He stated that an edict of the Ashland Climate Plan is to educate City staffers about it, and so all Commissions and Committees should consider climate action goals in every decision they make.

Chair Sohl stated that there is an increased risk of childhood asthma associated with increased exposure to methane gas. He informed the Commission that the Rogue Climate Action Team (RCAT) brought an ordinance proposal before the Council that would eliminate gas from any new developments, and that the CEPAC had been directed to study the feasibility of such an ordinance. Chair Sohl stated that the city of Berkeley had approved a similar ordinance, but it was struck down by the California 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals. The RCAT has now limited the ordinance to only effect residential developments in the hope of passing a more legally viable version.  

Chair Sohl stated that the RCAT and CEPAC have identified three alternative options for an ordinance applying to new residential construction; 1) an emissions based strategy; 2) a local amendment to the State Building Code; 3) and applying restrictions in new rights-of-way (ROW). He stated that the CEPAC had requested that the Council direct City staff to work CEPAC to create the new ordinance, and provided the Commission with an outline of an adoption schedule (see attachment #2).