A retail strategy and a business survey are among the upcoming initiatives being undertaken as part of the city’s future economic development work.
Blair Fryer, the city’s manager of communications and economic development, recently provided city council with an update on Future Forward: An Economic Development Plan for New Westminster, which was adopted in 2018. In addition to continuing with ongoing work related to economic development and responding to emerging issues, the city’s next steps include working on a retail strategy, doing a business inventory, conducting a business survey and doing sector-specific marketing strategies.
The city has already completed several items in the action plan, including creating a business hub at city hall. Several items are in progress or ongoing including implementing a customer services strategy for business at city hall and collaborating with local partners on programs and initiatives that encourage residents and businesses to spend dollars locally.
