EDC narrows priorities: housing, Riverwalk, signage and business support rise to top
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Summary
Commissioners sketched a 'top 10' list of priorities to refine before a joint meeting with North Bend; housing, downtown beautification/Riverwalk, business vacancy and a business welcome packet were recurring items. The commission agreed to rank top-3 choices for final prioritization.
The Economic Development Commission spent a substantial portion of the meeting compiling and discussing topics to include in a top-10 list to guide EDC recommendations and a planned joint session with North Bend.
Several commissioners named housing and infill development as their top priority, emphasizing opportunities to use vacant city-owned lots or remove barriers to private redevelopment. One commissioner said allowing residential or mixed-use development in existing downtown vacant lots could raise property-tax revenue and foot traffic.
Other frequently cited priorities were continued downtown beautification and the Riverwalk project, improving signage and wayfinding, addressing business vacancy and recruitment, and examining operating-cost pressures for local businesses (utilities, waste). Commissioners suggested a stronger economic-development function and a short "business welcome packet" to make it easier for new businesses to open in Snoqualmie.
To move from the brainstorm to an actionable list, the commission adopted a simple ranking method: submit a top-3 ranking (3 points for #1, 2 points for #2, 1 point for #3). Mona (S6) agreed to compile commissioners’ rankings and coordinate a joint meeting with North Bend in January or February once lists are refined.