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Scandia_EDA_and_Tourism_WorkPlans_2026Economic Development Authority (EDA) Work Plan – 2026 Since its formation, the Scandia Economic Development Authority (EDA) has achieved several significant milestones outlined in its initial work plan. The EDA launched and funded a tourism study that led to the establishment of a separate Tourism Committee, which continues to receive financial support from the EDA This 2026 work plan serves as a guide for the City and its EDA to allocate limited resources strategically, fostering economic prosperity and enhancing the quality of life for Scandia residents within the framework of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Mission Statement The Scandia Economic Development Authority strives to enhance Scandia’s long-term prosperity and enrich the quality of life of residents by retaining and growing existing businesses, recruiting new businesses, and expanding life-cycle housing opportunities for residents. EDA Role and Focus • Business attraction and expansion – marketing Scandia to new companies and supporting existing businesses. • Site development – ensuring appropriate infrastructure for business growth. • Workforce development – partnering with educational institutions to align training with local business needs. • Infrastructure improvement – advocating for broadband and other essential systems. • Incentive programs – exploring financial tools like grants or loans for business support. • Community marketing – promoting Scandia’s quality of life and economic opportunities. I. Explore Agricultural Economic Development Opportunities • Identify agricultural businesses and conduct outreach to understand needs. • Promote local agricultural products and identify opportunities for increased visibility. • Deliverable: Increased market presence and awareness of Scandia’s agricultural sector. II. Continue to Support Tourism • Continue EDA support of the Tourism Committee and initiatives that support tourism in Scandia. • Produce Scandia related products and encourage Scandia businesses to explore tourism-related opportunities. • Support efforts to reduce regulatory barriers to agri-tourism. • Deliverable: Increased collaboration between EDA and Tourism Committee; improved visibility of local tourism offerings. III. Promote Housing Opportunities (Consistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan) • Review existing zoning and comprehensive plan to identify opportunities for life-cycle housing. • Fund infrastructure or feasibility studies where appropriate. • Build partnerships with the Metropolitan Council and housing agencies to leverage resources. • Deliverable: Identification of zoning or policy adjustments that facilitate housing variety. IV. Explore Opportunities to Help Existing Businesses Thrive • Raise awareness of regulatory barriers and work with government agencies to address them. • Evaluate and, if appropriate, expand the City’s façade improvement program. • Conduct business retention and expansion activities, including quarterly business breakfasts, site visits, events, and trainings. • Deliverable: Strengthened communication and engagement with local businesses. V. Explore Opportunities for New Businesses • Identify potential development sites and available properties. • Gather information about state, county, or regional programs supporting new businesses. • Evaluate infrastructure needs and recommend zoning changes to the Planning Commission where appropriate. • Deliverable: Readiness to attract new investment and support business startup activity. Collaborative Focus • Tourism development strengthens small businesses and local employment. • Infrastructure improvements benefit both residents and visitors. • Marketing and branding efforts reinforce Scandia’s economic identity and livability. • A thriving visitor economy enhances quality of life, which helps attract workforce and business investment. Tourism Committee Work Plan – 2026 The Scandia Tourism Committee was established following the EDA’s tourism study. Its purpose is to promote Scandia as a destination for visitors, support tourism-related businesses, and enhance the overall visitor experience. While the Tourism Committee’s focus is distinct from the EDA’s, both share the goal of promoting Scandia’s economic vitality. Tourism efforts attract visitors, generate revenue, and strengthen community — outcomes that directly contribute to a healthy local economy. Tourism Role and Focus • Marketing and promotion – highlighting local attractions, events, and culture. • Visitor experience enhancement – improving amenities and promoting Scandia related tourism products. • Event support – coordinating, marketing, and promoting local festivals. • Industry collaboration – supporting local tourism-related businesses. • Data collection – tracking tourism impact and trends. • Partnerships with EDA – ensuring economic and tourism goals align. I. Marketing and Promotion • Manage Scandia’s listings on Shrpa.com and other platforms. • Implement a marketing campaign highlighting local events, recreation, and attractions. • Collaborate with EDA, Chamber of Commerce, and regional tourism groups for cross- promotion. • Deliverable: Increased awareness of Scandia as a tourism destination. II. Visitor Experience Enhancement • Identify and prioritize improvements to signage, maps, and visitor information. • Develop themed itineraries such as historic, outdoor recreation, and agricultural experiences. • Encourage partnerships to create new visitor experiences. • Deliverable: Enhanced visitor satisfaction and repeat visitation. III. Events and Festivals • Support existing community events and explore creation of a signature Scandia event. • Maintain and share a citywide event calendar. • Promote tourism activities that strengthen Scandia’s identity. • Deliverable: Greater participation and economic impact from local events. IV. Business and Industry Support • Build relationships with tourism-related businesses and support their promotion. • Provide educational or networking opportunities for tourism partners. • Coordinate with the EDA on small business support initiatives. • Deliverable: Increased collaboration and stronger local tourism network. V. Data Collection and Reporting • Collect visitor statistics, event participation data, and online engagement metrics. • Prepare an annual report summarizing tourism performance and recommendations. • Deliverable: Data-driven decisions and measurable outcomes. Collaborative Focus • Marketing and branding initiatives that benefit both tourism and business attraction. • Infrastructure projects that enhance visitor experience and community livability. • Small business development, especially for retail, lodging, and hospitality sectors.