MINUTES EDA 11.15.16 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DISCUSSION ON 2016 EDA GOALS Juba gave an update on how the EDA is doing on their 2016 goals. She stated that she would like them to start the thought process on their 2017 goals. Juba first began by discussing the goals surrounding downtown redevelopment. She stated that the EDA has come up with a marketing strategy for the City -owned property, which includes being members of MNCAR and Loopnet. She also reminded the EDA about the discussion with the St. Paul Port Authority and working with a real estate broker earlier in the 2016 year. Juba also stated that City staff have been trying to assist and encourage redevelopment in downtown, which has included meeting with property owners throughout the year. Next, Juba discussed maintaining a business friendly environment. She stated that the City has continued to have low development costs and has developed a partnership with the HBA. Through this, the City encourages further partnerships with businesses and the City is able to attend business events like groundbreakings, open houses, and ribbon cuttings. Lastly, the City has provided updates regarding the extension of broadband internet to eastern Hugo. Juba then discussed the marketing and promotion of the City. She stated that the City are members of EDAM and the MN Shopping Center Association and the Washington County Economic Development department are also members of MNCAR. Juba stated that she recently was able to attend a tradeshow event with Washington County to promote and market the properties available downtown. She believed this event was very successful and she made many connections with others that attended. Juba stated that staff has been working with the beautification subcommittee on banners, entry monuments, and other items to promote the City. She stated that there may be monies allocated towards and entry monument in the 2017 budget. Juba moved onto discuss the Comprehensive Plan process. She stated that the economic development section of the Comp. Plan was reviewed in 2015. She described the Comp. Plan process to begin in early 2017 and the EDA will have discussions regarding economic competitiveness, which the Met Council recommends adding to the Comp. Plan. Lastly, Juba discussed partnerships. She stated that the City has partnered with the HBA and Washington County. She described a partnership between the City and the County where Hugo can use Washington County as a resource for economic development. Juba stated that staff hasn't necessarily invited economic development experts to EDA meetings, but staff is getting some training and insight from attending the Washington County meetings. She stated that staff is open to inviting guests, especially if someone from one of the Washington County meetings would like to come speak to the Hugo EDA. UPDATE ON DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT Staff provided an update to the EDA on downtown redevelopment. ADJOURNMENT Denaway made a motion, seconded by Petty, to adjourn at 5:45 p.m. All ayes. Motion carried.