Mayor Pizzillo called the Work Session to order at 5:00 p.m.

Economic Development Director Wendy Bridges introduced Business Development Manager Claire Bruns to present the item. 

Ms. Bruns gave an overview of the history and current programs offered through the InnovationHub. She discussed expanding the InnovationHub by increasing marketing and presence in the community, enhanced programming, expanding youth entrepreneur opportunities and increased partnerships with organizations such as ASU Edson, Leadership West and HUUB. 

Council expressed support for the InnovationHub, supporting small businesses, leveraging partnerships and measuring the number of businesses that have developed because of the program.

In response to Council inquiry, Deputy Director of Economic Development Darah Mann explained that approximately 60 businesses have launched after going through the start-up school program. Deputy City Attorney Sarah Chilton clarified that gift clause limitations would not impact the current proposal for enhanced programming.

City Manager Wynette Reed clarified that future projects will be presented during the budget process. 

Human Resources Director Lyman Locket provided an update on the city's culture journey, outlining the history and sharing the results from the Gallup Q12 Employee Engagement Survey. 

Human Resources Deputy Director Vicki Lackey spoke about ongoing action items supporting the culture journey including quarterly employee check-ins, CliftonStrengths assessments, feedback mechanisms through committees and surveys, employee engagement events, the Goodyear Grows Mentoring Program and leadership development initiatives. Ms. Lackey discussed next steps to continue to further enhance the City of Goodyear culture. 

In response to Council inquiry, Mr. Locket explained that the city is focused on leadership development to increase employee engagement and ensure that the strategic plan aligns with employee goals. He discussed initiatives such as the Boss to Coach program, connecting employees to CliftonStrengths, and the creation and execution of employee-driven action plans. 

Council expressed support for the culture journey and appreciation for the resources invested into the city's employees. 

Council recessed the Work Session at 6:19 p.m.

Mayor Pizzillo reconvened the Work Session at 6:30 p.m.

Development Services Director Katie Wilken gave a brief overview of the history of the design guidelines manual and introduced Senior Planner Guadalupe Ortiz Cortez and Planning Manager Christian Williams to present the item. 

Ms. Ortiz Cortez highlighted how the proposed design guidelines would impact future developments throughout the city, emphasizing that the updated manual provides a variety of options, promotes affordable housing, and ensures high-quality enhancements. She also outlined the public outreach efforts that contributed to the comprehensive update. 

Council discussed the importance of updating the design guidelines and expressed support for the diverse options and modern design elements. Council requested that staff consider requirements for reduced water usage, the incorporation of public art in all developments, planned ingress and egress for parking lots, and evaluating the practicality for fountains and water features. Council also addressed enhanced landscape design, tile roofs and additional decorative embellishments.