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7. Scandia EDA Work Plan 12-13-2021 SCANDIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY WORK PLAN 2021-2030 Approved by the Board of Commissioners: December 13, 2021 Approved by the City Council: Pending Introduction Since its formation, the Economic Development Authority (EDA) has accomplished several of the goals outlined in the initial work plan. Some of its major accomplishments include establishing the foundations for continued tourism programming, addressing broadband accessibility, and maintaining a platform for the Scandia business community to meet and share information in the form of regular business breakfast events, (both in-person and virtually). In 2021, the EDA provided financially supported a new membership with Shrpa.com to promote tourism. It also continued to fund the City’s membership in the Minnesota Rural Broadband Alliance, and carried out regular business breakfast events to keep the Scandia business community connected and informed. This economic development work plan is intended to provide guidance for the City and its EDA with regard to their collective efforts to enhance the economic well-being of our community within the framework of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. EDA 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. I. Explore Agricultural Economic Development Opportunities Action Step: Continue to identify agricultural businesses in Scandia Action Step: Outreach to agricultural businesses in order to identify issues and needs, and follow up to provide potential resources Action Step: Identify opportunities to increase awareness and promotion of Scandia agricultural businesses Deliverables: Increase the market for local products II. Continue to Support Tourism Action Step: Continue to provide financial support for tourism committee Action Step: Encourage Scandia businesses to be aware of potential market and tourism opportunities EDA WORK PLAN December 13, 2022 Action Step: Support the reduction of regulatory barriers to agri-tourism. III. Advocate For High-Speed Internet Service Deliverables: Fund membership in Minnesota Broadband Alliance IV. Promote Housing Opportunities, Consistent with the 2040 Comprehensive Plan Action Step: Review existing zoning and 2040 Comprehensive Plan, and work with other agencies to identify and explore any changes that could facilitate the development of life-cycle housing. Action Step: Fund infrastructure studies as needed. Action Step: Build relationship with Metropolitan Council in order to maximize benefits and resources available to Scandia residents. V. Explore Opportunities to Help Existing Businesses Thrive Action Step: Raise awareness with government agencies about regulatory barriers to businesses as they arise. Action Step: Evaluate façade improvement program viability. Deliverable: Promote the façade improvement program or go to the city council for authorization to broaden the uses of this program. Action Step: Make use of Business Retention and Expansion Program, including updating and maintaining list of businesses and creating relationships between those businesses. Deliverable: quarterly business breakfast, sponsor business events Actions Step: EDA board and staff will make site visits to existing businesses and use survey to gather data from individual businesses. VI. Explore Opportunities for New Businesses Action Step: City staff will compile a list and information about potential sites. Actions Step: The city and EDA staff will compile info on programs that can support new businesses. Action Step: Explore infrastructure studies. Action Step: The EDA will 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. Page 2 of 2 Scandia Economic Development Authority