HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-02-10 PACKET 04.C.01.
TO:
Economic Development Authority
FROM:
Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator
Danette Parr, Economic Development Director
Alicia McMonigal, Economic Development Assistant
DATE:
February 4, 2015
RE:
Economic Development Work Plan
Each year we take time to evaluate the efforts of our economic development team over the
course of the previous year and establish in which areas we should do more or less to increase
our effectiveness in all areas of priority for the upcoming year. The purpose of this agenda item is
to offer EDA members an opportunity to provide feedback in relation to priorities that the staff can
take into account as a part of updating our work plan.
As background for the 2015 work plan discussion, new EDA members might find it beneficial to
have an overview of economic development functions currently being conducted by City staff.
Please refer to the attached ED activities memo for a list of some of the job functions performed
by the ED Director and ED Assistant. The below list is a general summary of the economic
development efforts conducted by City staff:
City Administrator
1. Redevelopment Projects
2. Business Park Development Projects
3. TIF Analysis
ED Director and ED Assistant
1. Development Project Coordination
2. Retail and Industrial Outreach/Marketing
3. BEC Management and Support
4. Recruitment and Retention Efforts
CD Director/Engineer
1. Management of Residential Subdivision Approvals
2. Infrastructure Planning
3. Coordination of Planning approvals for development projects
City Planners/Building Inspectors/CBO (6 positions)
1. Project Reviews and Inspections
2. Code Interpretation for project developers
3. Development/Construction compliance review
Finance Director
Economic Development Authority
Work Plan
Page 2 of 3
1. Letter of Credit issuance/compliance/draws
2. TIF Processing
3. TIF Accounting/Audit compliance
City Clerk
1. Project Bid processing/advertising
2. Insurance compliance
3. Licensing (as appropriate)
Communication Coordinator
1. Coordinating Messaging around Project approvals/openings
2. Positive Messaging including development opportunities and successes
Facilities Maintenance Coordinator (new PT position starting for the City in March)
1. Assist with facilities maintenance of BEC as needed (related to heating, cooling, and
general repairs)
City Attorney
1. Development Contract drafting and/or review
City Council Goals
As a part of the economic development work plan discussion, the EDA will also want to keep in
mind the City Councils five year (2014-2018) economic development goals, which include the
following:
1. Assist existing job creators in the business park when expansion opportunities exist
and assist in the development of at least 300,000 SF of additional quality business park
end users (typically target of 20K to 100K)
2. Lease out to quality tenants and maintain a vibrant growth environment in the BEC
3. Strive to achieve and then maintain a retail/office vacancy of 5 to 7% of total retail
square footage within the community
4. Realize substantial development of the Shoppes at Cottage View
th
5. Gain approval of a development plan for West Point Douglas between 80 Street and
Jamaica (property owner dependent)
6. Maintain aggressive public communication to Cottage Grove residents, property
owners, external developers, brokers, investors, and end users of job, business
creation and development and shopping opportunities within the community
Staff intends to focus on the following areas as a part of 2015 economic development efforts:
Support business expansion efforts within the business park.
o
Make EVERYONE aware of WHO we are, WHERE we are, and WHAT we have
o
to offer.
Increase messaging in relation to business expansion and new
development as a form of business park marketing
“Shop Local” communication initiatives
Economic Development Authority
Work Plan
Page 3 of 3
Offering new businesses a place to showcase their offerings as a part of
their Grand Opening (i.e.: Council meeting, cable, website, etc)
Increase focused outreach efforts
Enhance tax base and job creation in Cottage Grove.
o
Forge new and improved relationships within and outside Cottage Grove.
o
Encourage and support quality commercial and industrial development.
o
Target recruitment efforts based on findings of the updated 2015 Market
Study
Support existing and potential BEC tenants.
o
Additional Areas of Discussion
Highest priorities?
What should we do more of?
What should we do less of?
Challenges
Perceptions of value in relation to vacant commercial spaces
o
Getting what we want, versus getting what shows up
o