Council voted unanimously to refer discussion of an expansion of the Maritime & Defense Technology Hub to the Economic & Workforce Development Committee and to explore whether a 2026 ballot referendum is appropriate to allow longer lease terms necessary for capital investment.

Councilmember Gina Driscoll asked for a committee discussion on the potential benefits of allowing the hub larger/longer lease terms to support a planned Hub 2 expansion. Supporters from the Innovation District and downtown partners said the hub has incubated more than two dozen organizations, attracted roughly 82 full‑time staff and 102 secondary staff locations earlier in the year, and that demand for space already exceeds the footprint of the existing facility.

"The challenge is we've outgrown our space already," said Allison Barlow, a representative of hub stakeholders, who added that prospective tenants include maritime‑technology and coastal‑resilience firms. Downtown Partnership leaders said the group has identified adjacent city‑owned parking land that could accommodate a new Center for Coastal Resiliency and that public and private grant funding sources are being explored.

Council supported moving the conversation to committee, where staff and stakeholders will evaluate lease‑term options, land use and finance approaches and any necessary ballot language for a potential referendum. Council did not take a final vote on a lease change or referendum at Tuesday's meeting.