In a recent special session held on July 8, 2025, the Milwaukie City Council focused on enhancing local business engagement and economic development strategies. The meeting underscored the importance of fostering relationships with businesses in the community, particularly in the NMIA (North Milwaukie Industrial Area) and International Way regions.

Council members discussed the need to identify and connect with local businesses to better understand their challenges and opportunities. A proposal was made to conduct targeted outreach over the next quarter, with plans to meet with two or three businesses in each area. This initiative aims to gather insights that could inform future economic development efforts and support local entrepreneurs.

A significant point of discussion was the Milwaukee Bay Park project, which was highlighted as a multifaceted initiative that aligns with the city’s goals for parks, economic development, and affordability. Council members emphasized the importance of not losing sight of this project amid other discussions, recognizing its potential to serve as a recreational space accessible to families without financial barriers.

The council also addressed the need for a unified approach in communicating with businesses. Members expressed the importance of developing common talking points and strategies for engagement, particularly with grant recipients. This collaborative effort aims to ensure consistency in messaging and to strengthen relationships with local businesses.

Additionally, the council explored the idea of creating a survey or questionnaire to gather feedback from businesses. This tool would help capture their experiences and needs, further informing the council's economic development strategies. Council members discussed the potential for appointing leads for different areas to streamline this outreach process and avoid quorum issues.

As the meeting concluded, there was a consensus on the importance of proactive engagement with neighborhood businesses, particularly those not currently involved in grant programs. The council recognized that fostering these relationships could lead to greater community support and economic resilience.

Moving forward, the council plans to implement these strategies, with an emphasis on collaboration and communication. The next steps will involve finalizing the outreach plan, developing the survey, and ensuring that all council members are aligned in their efforts to support local businesses. This initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing Milwaukie's economic landscape and ensuring that all community voices are heard.