‘G, SAVANNAH Economic Development Authority dune 15, 2017 ‘The Honorable Eddie DeLoach Mayor, City of Savannah 206 E, 54" Street ‘Savannah, GA 31405 Dear Mayor: The Savannah Economic Development Authority's ("SEDA”) prime mission is to create, grow, and attract jobs and investment into the Savannah region. SEDA coordinates, cultivates and negotiates with potential business partners and investors for the Savannah area - whether in neighboring states, across North America, or around the world. Business leaders look at numerous tangible factors when choosing to locate and invest in the Savannah area. They include our infrastructure, logistics, workforce, healthcare and education. They also look at more subtle factors ‘such as the stability of the economic marketplace, the existence of a pro-business climate and the reliability of a fair decision making processes within our state and local governments. The Governor and State Legislature have worked tirelessly to secure the {itle of "Best State in America to do business” for the past four years. SEDA is alarmed by the City of Savannah's proposed zoning text amendment to redefine hotel categories and the process used in creating the proposal. This proposed text amendment is neither the result of an open process, in which ALL concerned parties were solicited to participate and does not promote stability in the region's economic marketplace. It certainly does not reflect the work of our Governor and other state leadership. Individual businesses become distressed when regulations impact their specific profession, but the universal business community becomes alarmed when such regulations blindside an entire industry, without seeking any consultation with the “regulated” industry. The greater business community grows even more anxious when proposed regulations are developed outside the standard decision-making process and are punitive In nature. Here, the City of Savannah did not consult or discuss the proposed changes with the stakeholders — those within the hospitality industry. Additionally, the City departed from the standard process for proposing changes to an ordinance by directly petitioning the Metropolitan Planning Commission ("MPC"), a direct break from the typical procedure by which the MPC staff propose and develop changes in concert with comments from the affected business sector impacted by the ordinance change. Post Office Box 128» Savannah, Georgia 31402 + 912.447.8450 + 800.673.7388 + SEDA.crg‘S SAVANNAHL Industries looking to relocate to the City, and even those with established businesses are left to ponder — will the City regulate us in a similar manner? Will the City come after my business without consultation? Will the City overturn other standard Practices to pass future ordinances? Will my industry be targeted with punitive ordinances? Prosperous communities are built on due process and faimess, which promote stability and economic growth in a region. Unfortunately, the process by which the City of Savannah has sought to amend the zoning ordinance has upended this stability and, betrayed its reputation for due process. Both could threaten the economic success of our region. SEDA urges the City to begin this effort anew but only if those very stakeholders most impacted by the ordinance are fully engaged in the discussions, debate and final resolutions. With transparency and dialogue, SEDA is confident all parties can achieve a desirable outcome, without harming the economic marketabilty of the Savannah area, Sincerely, che. BL Stephen S. Green Chairman