Committee hears progress report on 2026–2031 economic development strategic plan

Laura presented the committee with the early implementation status of the 2026–2031 Economic Development Strategic Plan, which she said was adopted by council on Aug. 4. "It is my pleasure to present to you some updates on the implementation so far of the economic development strategic plan that was, adopted by council on August 4th of this year," she said, noting extensive community engagement and a steering committee that overlapped with the city committee by design. She summarized six strategic initiatives (business retention and expansion; target industry growth; retail corridors; strategic land and sites; enhancing quality of place; promoting and positioning the city) and said staff translated those into 27 strategies and about 120 action items in an implementation matrix.