Advisory board members press to review development projects earlier in city process

Several members argued the advisory board should review development projects earlier in the city's process so its economic recommendations reach City Council before decisions are finalized.

"I strongly believe in order for our organization, our committee, our advisory group to be effective, and our purpose here is we have to be in the pecking order like just like the planning board is. Nothing goes to city council until it goes through the planning board for review," a board member said during the meeting, urging the advisory group be added to the city's review sequence so economic impact recommendations are included before council ratification.

Other members agreed the board must be proactive and suggested inviting developers and project leads for informational briefings so the advisory board can flag projects that warrant deeper economic review. Staff and members discussed practical steps: requesting key projects be placed on advisory agendas, inviting proponents (for example, the News-Press redevelopment developer) to brief the board, and coordinating with planning and community-development staff.

Board members emphasized that the advisory role would require a formal change in practice or council direction to be effective; the transcript records members saying they will pursue conversations with the mayor and city manager to seek that change.