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04. EDA Work Plan Staff Report Date of Meeting: November 25, 2025 For: EDA President Kronmiller and Board members From: Kyle Morell, City Administrator Subject: EDA Work Plan Attached are the Work Plan document presented to the EDA at its last meeting and the revised Plan that includes all the suggested changes made at that meeting. Please review the new plan titled EDA Work Plan 11 25 25 to make sure it reads as you intended. I would like to wrap up the Work Plan discussion this month, so that is can be reviewed again in 2026 before sharing it with Tourism in February. Economic 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.  Conduct business retention and expansion activities, including quarterly business breakfasts, site visits, events, and trainings. Economic 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 residents' quality of life by retaining and growing existing businesses, recruiting new businesses, and expanding life-cycle housing opportunities. 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. 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. II. 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 training.  Identify agricultural businesses and conduct outreach to understand needs.  Promote local agricultural products and identify opportunities for increased visibility.  To identify and reduce possible regulatory barriers to incoming and existing businesses.  Produce Scandia related products and encourage Scandia businesses to explore tourism-related opportunities.  Deliverable: Increase market presence, awareness of Scandia’s agricultural sector, strengthen communication, and increase engagement with local businesses. III. 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.  Conduct business retention and expansion activities, including quarterly business breakfasts, site visits, events, and training.  Continue EDA support of the Tourism Committee and initiatives that support tourism in Scandia.