HomeMy WebLinkAbout4c. Q3 EDA updates STAFF REPORT
Date: November 19, 2024
REGULAR
AGENDA ITEM: EDA Quarterly Report
SUBMITTED BY: Jason Stopa, Community Development Director
Reviewed By: Ashley Monterusso, Planner
BACKGROUND:
The EDA’s 2024 Work Plan was established to guide our community’s growth and prosperity through a series of projects and initiatives. This year the work plan focuses on developing a
sense of place, communicating information, increasing business, reviewing the Old Village Plan and exploring the feasibility of using grant funds to develop a solar farm on the city’s
landfill. As part of staff’s ongoing efforts, this intent of this report is to share information and progress made with the commission for feedback as necessary.
ISSUE BEFORE COMMITTEE:
The commission may wish to discuss updates and provide feedback.
UPDATES/COMMUNICATION:
See following page.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
None.
ATTACHMENT:
None
Q3 Work Plan Updates
Goals
Action Steps
Progress
Increase number of businesses
Updates to the EDA may include maintaining a list and periodic reports of commercial and industrial projects that are in the planning process, under construction and recently completed.
"Community Development Projects" map and pdf added to website and updated
City staff will showcase more economic development stories and business updates on the EDA website the CDA’s website as well as in the City’s Newsletter.
Shared new business opening on city website
A community asset and resources list will begin to be developed in 2024 and will be maintained on an ongoing basis.
City in the process of getting an updated website with Civic+
City staff with the assistance of CDA staff will meet with interested property owners, site selectors, commercial realtors, developers on an ongoing basis to promote development opportunities.
ongoing
Develop data and communication of information
Staff will explore options to update the EDA’s web presence including, considerations for a potential web platform, adding an inventory of available land and buildings, listing available
business resources and developing a digital marketing plan and materials {digital rollout} for business recruitment, expansions and retention.
Ongoing updates to the city website:
Adding Economic Development page which includes:
- Community resources (Connect Lake Elmo, Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce)
- Current community development projects
Sign guide workbook
City in the process of getting an updated website with Civic+
Develop and maintain sense of place and create positive community perception
TBD
ongoing
Explore feasibility of using 3M priority 2 grant funds for a solar project on landfill
TBD
3M LOI recommended to CC from EDA - on CC agenda for 12/3
Commissioner Tony Manzara taking lead and working with MPCA to determine feasibility
- LOI deadline postponed until EOY
Review Old Village Plan and determine if update is needed
TBD
Analyze results from OV Village Study