HomeMy WebLinkAbout#03 - EDA Work PlanSTAFF REPORT
DATE: February 18, 2025
CONSENT
AGENDA ITEM: 2025 EDA Work Plan
TO: City Council
SUBMITTED BY: Ashley Monterusso, Planner
Reviewed by: Jason Stop, Community Development Director
BACKGROUND:
Each fall the city’s commissions update their work plans for council review and approval early the
following year. Staff built off the 2024 work plan to establish the 2025 work plan.
In 2025 staff are proposing a new format for the workplan that is categorized by Project and Description,
Deliverables/Action items and Status. There is also a section for guiding goals. The attached workplan was
reviewed at the November 19, 2024 meeting and again at the meeting held on February 4, 2025. It has
been since amended to reflect the guidance from EDA. With the amendments, the EDA 2025 Workplan is
recommended to City Council for approval.
ISSUE BEFORE COMMISSION:
The City Council is being asked approve the proposed EDA Work Plan for 2025.
PROPOSAL DETAILS/ANALYSIS:
The 2025 Economic Development Authority Work Plan was developed by staff using discussion points and
feedback from previous EDA meetings and insights from the progress made from previous work plans.
The new plan focuses on:
1.Issuing RFPs for city-owned land
2.Enhancing Lake Elmo’s communication efforts around Economic Development
3.Developing and maintaining relationships with local businesses
4.Guiding goals
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
OPTIONS:
1.Approve the EDA 2025 Work Plan
2.Amend the EDA 2025 Work Plan
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the City Council approve the proposed work plan as part of the consent agenda. If
removed from the consent agenda, staff recommends the following motion:
“Move to approve the EDA 2025 Work Plan as presented by Staff.”
ATTACHMENT:
•Economic Development Authority 2025 Work Plan
2025 Lake Elmo EDA
Economic Development Work Plan
Reviewed by EDA 11/19/2024 1
Lake Elmo EDA Mission
The Lake Elmo Economic Development Authority (EDA) is committed to preserving and enhancing our community by
creating an attractive business climate and listening to businesses and residents to prepare for the economy of tomorrow.
Goals
1.Business Retention, Expansion, and Attraction (BREA)
•Prioritize retention of current businesses and create a favorable environment to attract new
development
2.Collaboration and Partnership
•Engage with regional organizations, Washington County, Chambers of commerce, etc.
3.Community Centered Development
•Align development with community needs and encourage public participation
4.Sustainable Growth
•Encourage responsible development that balances economic, environmental, and social factors
Purpose
The purpose of this document is to guide implementation of EDA action items and the assist Lake Elmo staff when making
decisions.
Action Items
Project and Description Deliverable/Action Item Timeline
City Property Planning
Assist City staff and City Council
with marketing efforts for city
owned properties:
Issue an RFP for Old Fire Station and Public
Works Building including exploring
brownfield grants for any environmental
clean up necessary
2nd Quarter
Create a plan to develop the City owned 180
acres to issue an RFP. Work with the Urban
Land Institute and/or commercial real estate
brokers and/or consultants. Consider funding a
study on the area.
2nd/3rd Quarter
Issue an RFP for the City owned 180 acres 4th Quarter
Enhancing Lake Elmo’s Communication Efforts for Economic Development
Participate in City efforts to
improve marketing materials.
Continuing efforts to highlight local
businesses.
Collaborating with new communications
coordinator to make effective website/social
updates
2nd Quarter
Adding content to The Fresh Newsletter Year round
Explore joining small business organizations
(Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, etc.) 2nd Quarter
2025 Lake Elmo EDA
Economic Development Work Plan
Reviewed by EDA 11/19/2024 2
Sharing business stories in Lake Elmo Year round
Developing and Maintaining Relationships with Local Businesses
Promote resources and tools for
economic development to business
partners and stakeholders
Keep outreach materials updated. Previous
examples in 2024 include Sign Guide,
Community Development map and
information on new projects
Year round
Creating a city property viewer for zoning
districts, shoreland classifications, etc. Year round
Compile a list of available resources for
businesses
-Info to know for Small Businesses in LE
-Met Council (SAC and WAC)
Year round
Engage with local chambers of commerce and
business groups to distribute resources and
information
Year round
Continuing investigation into 3M Priority 2 Grant Opportunity for Developing Solar on Landfill
Submit letter of intent & proposal if accepted by Trustees. TBD