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7. Discussion on the development of 3-year work planDraft 1/14/2019 1 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. Draft 1/14/2019 2 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 Draft 1/14/2019 3 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 Draft 1/14/2019 4 Attachment A Strengths, Opportunities, Weaknesses, Stand- in-the-Way Group Discussion memo Scandia EDA Business Visitation Program To: Neil Soltis From: Chris Eng Date: December 18, 2018 Re: Business Visitation Options for Discussion and Consideration There are a number of reasons for undertaking a Business Visitation program. Here are a few: 1. To demonstrate support for local businesses (an opportunity to connect the community with the businesses) 2. To identify and potentially assist in addressing any immediate business concerns (identify any red flag warnings) 3. To establish and implement future EDA work plan action steps (identify priority projects), and 4. To build community capacity to promote business growth and economic development (evaluate results, distribute results, build a marketing and promotional program around the results). Informal business visits/meetings with the EDA Members, Council and Mayor as well as city and CDA staff is a simple way to accomplish the EDA’s objectives and involves the least time intensive and lowest cost approach. Business visits are usually conducted with no formal surveys or report. Essentially this option provides a way for the city to say “welcome (to new businesses) and thank you for doing business in Scandia. Q: Are there any concerns or topics that you want us to assist you with”? If you did want to did a simple survey, here are some sample questions for consideration: Questions for the business survey could include: 1. Please tell us about your primary products and services? ___________________ 2. How many emplo yees currently work at this location? ____ FT ____ PT 3. Is your business currently considering? (circle all that apply) a. Downsizing b. Selling 2 c. Merging with or acquiring another business d. Moving e. Closing f. Expanding at this or another location g. None of the above 4. Are you currently experiencing any challenges with? (circle all that apply) a. Attracting or retaining talent b. Employee education or training c. Transportation for products d. Transportation for employees e. Housing for employees f. Financing g. Municipal utilities, code enforcement or other regulation h. Private utilities (electric, gas, highspeed broadband) i. Other _____________________________________________ 5. Is there anything the City or EDA can do to help your business grow and expand?