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CPA: <br />Z. POLICA'S' PON CUURDINATING ECONOMIC DEVE10PM1:NT <br />p0bicr G. Encourage Coordination of Economic llevelopnx? in the Reg.ic 1 <br />policy provi,lr:: that the council nwhe available rcylomil economic data, lane o <br />employuKnit, business and labor force infurnwition. <br />Cl1MAlEN'1': Thi:: policy is supported. Thu council currently is involved in <br />gathering and diseminating much of this data. In its planning and review role, <br />it has the ability to package and comment on those issues beyond merely physical <br />development and should do so. <br />POLICY H. Sponsor Research, Task Force and Forums Focusing on Regional Economic <br />Issues. <br />COPMLN9': '/'he tasks as outlined in this policy are appropriate for the council's <br />statutory planning role. However, caution should be used to not re -invent the <br />wheel. Research and Forums should be in conjunction with and not overlaping <br />activities being accomplished already by state and other private organizations <br />as mentioned in the supporting data. <br />poL.ICY I. Education and Retraining. <br />C01•IMENT: To the extent that the council carries out research as to who may be <br />doing what and synthesizes data on employment needs based on other policy tasks <br />and reports this information; this policy is supported. However, if the intent <br />is to become ultimately involved in establishing or operating training programs <br />in the metropolitan area, the policy is strongly opposed. The state is acs <br />aware of training and retraining needs. They are involved and committed t <br />area. It is sere appropriately handled by the stare and the states educational <br />facilities. <br />POLICY J. Monitor Economic Development and Measure Covernment Porgram Impacts. <br />CoMIIENT: This policy is appropriate for the Metropolitan Council Planning role. <br />3. BUSINESS FINANCING POLICY <br />POLICY E. Encourage expanded use of financing programs in communities that desir <br />council involement. This policy provides for council implementation of financing <br />programs to make capital available to primarily small businesses. Two programs, <br />an SBA 503 corporation and issuance of Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, are <br />proposed. The council states that initially it intends to examine these programs <br />but will implement them at a future time if needed. <br />COMMENT: This policy is strongly opposed for the following reasons: <br />a) Need. The need for council involvementin sponsoring either of these <br />programs has not been shown. The basis for 503 is that only 3 cities have <br />one, scvaral outstate regions have or are applying for one, and 100 of 600 <br />regions in the nation have SBA 503 programs. The State of Minnesota currentl <br />has a 503 program in place that can be utilized by any city. Cities may in <br />fact apply for 503 if they have a need or desire. The council to this <br />has not indicated that any city or developer has requested or suggeste <br />need for a council program. Finally, at some point in the future the <br />council could find itself in an uncomfortable position of being in the middle <br />of competition between two or more cities over a particular project. The bas <br />