DATE: September 5, 2024
TO: Council Economic Development Committee
FROM: Chief Economic Development Officer
SUBJECT
Title
Downtown Action Plan Working Group Update (Oral Report Only)
End
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the Council Economic Development Committee (CEDC) receives updates on the progress of the Downtown Action Plan and provides feedback to staff.
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SUMMARY
On January 20, 2024, Council requested that staff create a multi-department task force to evaluate and address support for small businesses and to stimulate growth and activity Downtown, especially since Foothill Boulevard is a major gateway and thoroughfare through Downtown. The boundary for the Downtown Action Plan is primarily focused on the core of downtown which is Foothill Blvd to Watkins Street between A and C Street. In addition, the area around Maple and Main Street and Foothill Blvd and City Center Drive was also included.
The Downtown Action Plan Working Group consists of representatives from: City Manager’s Office, Hayward Police Department, Public Works, Maintenance Services Department, Development Services Department, Library Services, and the Downtown Hayward Improvement Association (DHIA). The main goal of the working group is to focus on physical improvements to enhance the downtown experience and be implementable with a quick turnaround time of 100-200 days. Ideally each department would use existing budget and staffing resources, and not require a new budget to complete these improvements.
Monday June 3, 2024, marked the start date for all projects submitted by the Downtown Action Plan Working Group to begin. The composition of the working group and the projects are described in detail in Attachment I. Selected projects include enhancing crosswalks by making them more visible, installing painted bulb outs for additional pedestrian barriers, enhancing Code Enforcement efforts through the Community Preservation ordinance, implementing pressure washing more often, installing decorative lighting throughout Downtown, and providing a business resource guide to guide business owners and their employees on who to contact for common issues.
At the September 5th Special CEDC Meeting, staff from each participating department will provide an oral update on the progress their respective projects, highlight the support for small businesses and the visual impacts to stimulate growth and activity Downtown.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Downtown Action Plan Working Group Memo