Special to the Town Crier
Three dozen Los Altos business people turned out last Friday to tell city representatives what they would like an economic development manager to do.
The opportunity for input came at a meeting hosted by the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce and Los Altos Village Association.
The two groups were responding to Mayor Louis Becker's request for business community input on the job description for the half-time staff economic development position approved in November by the Los Altos City Council.
Business promotion, infrastructure issues including accessibility and parking, and liaison to business groups were key matters participants wished to see addressed. Business people also hoped to see an overall city business development plan created, with a five-year focus and specific goals and priorities.
Several speakers cautioned against focusing exclusively on the needs of downtown Los Altos and of thinking only in terms of retail business. Dick Hasenpflug mentioned the number of "Silicon Valley startups in Los Altos who generate sales tax but aren't seen at chamber functions."
In a discussion lead by professional facilitator Geoff Ball, people spoke of a desire for collaboration among all Los Altos business districts to increase the city's overall competitive advantage.
"It's important to set priorities," said Tom Smith, president of the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce. "We could have a whole department doing what we've outlined here."
Smith and village association president Fred Sischka both urged city representatives to consider funding a full-time economic development position.
"This is a whole economic development program," said Los Altos City Manager Phil Rose of objectives identified by the business community. "We need to get to the reality of what can be accomplished in the hours available."
Rose said he sees the role as a bridge to individual business districts, "a consensus builder who can bring parties together." He said he would like to begin recruiting for the position soon and have a list of first-year objectives.
"We have a lot of material here to take back to city council to consider the long-term goals and scope," Rose said.
Councilmen John Moss and King Lear attended the Jan. 8 session.
Rose will share his first-year objectives for the economic development coordinator position at a follow-up meeting scheduled for 8-9 a.m., Jan. 29.