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.
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Scandia Economic Development Authority