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Committee recommends reducing Small Business Advisory Commission to 11 seats to ease quorum and vacancies
Summary
Staff asked the committee to endorse an ordinance amendment reducing the Small Business Advisory Commission from 15 to 11 members and removing at-large seats while retaining category representation; the committee voted to recommend the ordinance to full council.
Economic Development staff told the Economic and Workforce Development Committee on Sept. 24 that vacancies and holdover appointments have made it difficult for the Small Business Advisory Commission (SBAC) to maintain quorums and conduct effective meetings.
Alfred Brewer, assistant director for economic development, said the SBAC was formed in 2021 and currently is in transition; only two district appointees (D8 and D10) were seated while other members were on holdover status. Staff recommended amending the ordinance that created SBAC to reduce membership from 15 seats to 11, retain categorical representation (trade organizations, non-profits, small businesses with fewer than 10 employees, small businesses with 10'50 employees, and targeted industries) and eliminate the four at-large appointments.
Why it matters: Staff said the reduced size should make it easier to fill seats, improve quorum rates and preserve the board's mission to advise on small-business policy and outreach. The recommendation does not change SBAC's mission or the commission's responsibilities under the ordinance.
Discussion and clarifications: Committee members asked how the SBAC relates to Sabeta (a separate small-business economic development advocacy program); staff said Sabeta focuses on program-specific matters tied to its ordinance, while SBAC reviews the broader small-business ecosystem and policy issues. Councilmembers also emphasized inclusion of veteran-owned businesses and continued community outreach.
Action taken: A member moved to recommend an ordinance to amend the SBAC composition requirements and forward it to the full City Council; the motion passed. The motion was recorded as a recommendation to place an ordinance before the full council for consideration.
Next steps: Staff will prepare the ordinance amendment language and transmit the item to the City Council for consideration. The SBAC will continue to operate under its existing mission while appointments are adjusted to the new composition if approved by council.
