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Economic development staff reports new businesses, recruitment progress; director Mary to depart March 13
Summary
Economic development staff reported seven new business openings and active recruitment efforts, discussed a restaurant week event and a proposed points‑based loyalty pilot; staff noted the department's lead (Mary) will leave March 13 and an intern has started to assist the transition.
Economic development staff briefed council on recent business activity and ongoing recruitment at the March 4 meeting, reporting seven businesses opened in February and a strong pipeline of family‑friendly restaurant and entertainment prospects.
Staff listed new businesses that received certificates of occupancy in February, including Lone Star Cafe, Gibson Family Dentistry, Phoenix ADA Services, Moolah Integrative Health and others, and said 12 of the 26 COs issued year‑to‑date were for new businesses. Staff also said Tacos and Tequila in Old Town had applied for a building permit and that Sweet Frog had received a fire alarm permit and was close to opening. Staff told council Halton Horns had opened and will seek final façade and landscaping reimbursements when weather allows; the business expects to start a fall concert series.
On recruitment, staff said discussions continue with property owners and retailers in Town Center and that applicants show interest in family‑friendly entertainment concepts. Economic development staff described a proposed city partnership program (Blue Dot) that could use a points system to encourage local spending and participation; the program would come back to council with a budget and implementation plan, with a target tie‑in to Restaurant Week planned for July 28–August 3.
Staff announced personnel changes: the presenter noted that her next week would be her last (March 13) and said duties will phase to a colleague (Erin) and an incoming intern, Ethan Flanders. Councilmembers thanked staff for the update and for the candidate recruitment work.
Ending: Staff said a restaurant survey with 958 responses will be presented to the Economic Development Board and council at a later update; follow‑up on the loyalty program and restaurant week will return to council for approval.
