6. Scandia EDA Economic Development Work Plan 01 14 19Draft 1/14/2019
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2018 – 2020
Scandia EDA
Economic Development Work Plan
Scandia EDA Mission
The mission of the Scandia Economic Development Authority (EDA) is to strive 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.
Goals
1. Explore Agricultural Economic Development Opportunities
2. Explore Tourism Economic Development Opportunities
3. Explore and Promote High Speed Broadband
4. Promote Life-cycle Housing
5. Explore Options for a Business Retention and Expansion Program
6. Explore Opportunities for New Businesses
Planning Process
The purpose of this document is to serve as the Scandia EDA 2018 Economic Development Strategic
Plan with a planning horizon through 2020.
Strengths, Opportunities and Challenges
To assist in the EDA’s discussion and to help achieve the goals and action steps identified within this
plan, a summary of strengths, opportunities and challenges is included as Attachment A.
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Actions
1. Explore Agricultural Economic Development Opportunities
Action Step: Identify existing agricultural businesses
Action Step: Make outreach to agricultural businesses to identify issues and needs
Action Step: Identify programs to increase awareness and promotion of agricultural businesses
Deliverables: The EDA will begin compiling a listing Scandia-based agricultural businesses in the first
quarter of 2019 and initiate outreach efforts by December 31, 2019.
Program Cost: TBD.
2. Explore Tourism Economic Development Opportunities
Action Step: Upon completion of the tourism assessment study, the EDA will review and make
recommendations on the implementation on the action steps of the study
Action Step: Identify opportunities to work with businesses to promote existing attractions.
Action Step: Focus resources on future tourism initiatives, including those identified in the tourism
assessment study
Deliverables: The EDA will review the tourism assessment begin exploring opportunities in the first
quarter of 2019 and be completed by December 31, 2019.
Program Cost: All costs related to the tourism assessment paid in 2018.
3. Explore and Promote High Speed Broadband
Action Step: Solicit proposals for vendors to construct, maintain, and operate a broadband network
Action Step: City staff with the assistance of CDA staff will explore grant and legislative opportunities
to help fund the implementation of high speed broadband in Scandia.
Deliverables: Request for proposals by end of 1st quarter of 2019. Legislative efforts for funding during
the 1st quarter of 2019. Agreement with vendor by 3rd quarter of 2019. Submittal for DEED or other
grants by end of 3rd quarter of 2019.
Program Costs: TBD
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4. Promote Life-cycle Housing Opportunities
Action Step: Based on 2040 Comprehensive Plan the EDA will create and maintain a current list of
potential sites and funding resources to promote and market new opportunities for lifecycle housing.
Action Step: EDA to review existing zoning and 2040 Comprehensive Plan and make recommendations
to the Planning Commission regarding changes that would facilitate the development of life-cycle
housing.
Action Step: City staff along with CDA staff and the EDA will meet with developers to explore options
and interest to develop new housing.
Deliverables: The creation of the site options and funding resource list will begin in 2nd quarter of 2019
based on submittal to the Metropolitan Council. The lists will be maintained on an ongoing basis.
Review of existing zoning and 2040 Comprehensive Plan to begin in 3nd quarter of 2019.
Program Costs: TBD
5. Explore Options for a Business Retention & Expansion Program
Action Step: The City and CDA staff will research and explore options for an informal business contact
program and survey instrument that can be used by staff or EDA Board
Action Step: The Scandia EDA Board and staff will make site visits to existing businesses
Deliverables: City and CDA staff will be provide survey to EDA for discussion and consideration. This
will begin in the 1st of 2019. Site visits to occur throughout 2019.
Program Costs: TBD
6. Explore Opportunities for New Businesses
Action Step: The City staff will compile information on available sites for new businesses in Scandia
Action Step: The City and CDA staff will compile information on programs to support new businesses
Action Step: EDA to review existing zoning and 2040 Comprehensive Plan and make recommendations
to the Planning Commission regarding changes that would facilitate the ability to attract new businesses.
Deliverables: City and CDA staff will be provide survey to EDA for discussion and consideration. This
will begin in the 1st of 2019. Site visits to occur throughout 2019.
Program Costs: TBD
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Attachment A
Strengths, Opportunities, Weaknesses, Stand-
in-the-Way Group Discussion