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step. The City should begin preparing an annual economic report of activity <br /> within the City. A new Economic Development page on the City's website should <br /> provide helpful data such as demographic information, community <br /> characteristics, information about the City's workforce, traffic counts, and listings <br /> of available land or buildings. The information should be distributed whenever <br /> possible. <br /> The City should cooperate and share information with partners such as the Hugo <br /> Business Association (HBA), the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce, and <br /> the state Department of Employment and Economic Development. The City <br /> should continue to work with surrounding communities and with Washington <br /> County to encourage the creation of an east metro economic development <br /> strategy. <br /> Establish Financial Incentives to Attract New Business Development <br /> The City should evaluate all incentives available for use by the City. Policies <br /> should be implemented for the use of incentives, including the use of the City's <br /> Tax Increment Financing Policy. <br /> The City should evaluate other costs associated with the development or <br /> operation of businesses within Hugo. Costs should be compared to other cities <br /> and the fee structures or other costs should be reformulated where possible to <br /> remain competitive. <br /> Ensure that Infrastructure is Provided to Meet Business Needs <br /> It is important for the City to implement the improvements identified on the City's <br /> infrastructure plans illustrated in Chapters 8, 9, 10 and 11 of this document. The <br /> important transportation connections and sewer and water improvements that are <br /> necessary to accommodate existing and future businesses have been taken into <br /> account and are shown in this comprehensive plan. <br /> The BNSF rail line serving the Bald Eagle Industrial Park is an important <br /> transportation element for existing businesses located there. The rail line should <br /> be maintained as long as the businesses rely on it. <br /> The City should encourage the eventual conversion of the rail line along TH 61 to <br /> a transit corridor that may accommodate both freight and passengers. <br /> Provisions for transit will provide businesses with expanded access to the area's <br /> workforce. Higher intensity mixed use development and retail development <br /> should be encouraged along the transit corridor. The City will cooperate with the <br /> Rush Line Corridor Task Force to implement recommended improvements along <br /> the corridor. <br /> Chapter 6 6-5 <br /> Economic Development Plan <br /> t-RUiro <br />