ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager and Community Development Director with a Request to APPROVE a RESOLUTION Establishing the DOWNTOWN PEORIA INNOVATION DISTRICT (Council District 1)
Body
BACKGROUND: The continued expansion of technology into all aspects of life has created a need to identify communities that are open and welcoming to the implementation of new technologies, such as 5G communications, autonomous transportation, and technology related to “smart cities.”
The designation of an area of downtown Peoria as an Innovation District will allow those in the technology field to market and encourage the development, testing, and use of cutting-edge technologies in downtown Peoria and in the larger metropolitan area.
The resolution is simply a designation at this time. It is anticipated that as specific needs arise, requests will be brought before the City Council to enact regulatory relief and/or conditions to assist in the development of these new technologies.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: NA
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: NA
IMPACT IF APPROVED: An area of downtown Peoria will be designated as an Innovation District.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The designation will not occur.
ALTERNATIVES: NA
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: NA
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2017 - 2032 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Grow Peoria
2. Financially Sound City
3. Safe Peoria
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Grow employers and jobs.
2. Invest in our infrastructure and transportation.
3. Support sustainability.
DEPARTMENT: Community Development