01.19.16 EDA Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ppend iyII Summary of City Feed hack: F conamic Development Survey A survey was sent to each City and the HRA at the beginning of the study. The questions were designed to obtain preliminary input into the economic development study. This information was summarized and shared with the County Board in September of 2013. I. Specific Priorities Please identify the three most significant economic development priorities of your City or organization over the next five years. • Programs administered by HRA at an economy of scale that helps cities and townships Housing construction • Promotion — marketing for new and existing businesses • Redevelopment -- reinvestment in existing properties • Investment in infrastructure • Development (new) • Jobs and diversity of employment • Linkage between living and working within the county • Coordination of efforts • Business attraction — financial incentives II. County -wide Factors Please identify the top three factors that are impacting in any way (driving or impeding) economic growth and development within Washington County. Driving • Available land ■ Schools • New bridge in Stillwater • Natural amenities ■ Strength of existing economy • County changing to a "pro ED" place Impeding • Lack of affordable housing • Lack of transit alternatives • Lack of coordinated strategy • Lack of coordinated infrastructure strategy • County's historical TIF policy (differing perspectives) • Infrastructure flexibility (regulatory restraint) • Shortage of niche financing programs (grants) • Still a slow recovery • DigitaI divide in parts of county • No policy on tax abatement • No economic development staff • The County is diverse — how can we effectively promote the county as a whole when areas are distinct and different (rural — low taxes) 15