HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.2b BR&E Quick Reference GuideThe 2020 Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Program is an effort to support businesses in the community through one on one interviews to retain
and expand businesses within Cottage Grove. The intent of the program is to design projects and initiatives that will further improve the business climate
for growth throughout the community. In total 11 interviews were completed with businesses to develop the following four key initiatives.
HOUSING
Businesses are looking for more options for their employees
for both their executives and entry-level employees. This
also will create more options for workforce to live and work
in the City and alleviate some of the need for public
transportation.
Actions Steps:
- Market the Harkness Area and the Shoppes at Cottage View
to area developers and at conference/events.
- Develop a Comprehensive Housing Plan
- Promote sustainable development, increased housing
density, and developing public-private partnerships.
TRAINING
Businesses indicated that they needed better customized
training programs in order to get their employees the skills they
need to complete their jobs.
Action Steps:
- Work with the school district to raise awareness regarding
trades.
- Work with the school district on developing post -secondary
EMT courses.
- Engage with businesses to create a network for job
opportunities.
- Explore creation of a higher education campus.
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TRANSPORTATION
Overwhelmingly businesses indicated this as the highest
priority for the City to address. Businesses agree that the
workforce they do have is an asset to their organization.
However, increasingly it is getting harder for businesses to
get employees to Cottage Grove and they are looking for
alternative public transportation methods to pull employees
from St. Paul and the surrounding area.
Action Steps:
-Work to fulfill Bus Rapid Transit for the Red Rock
Corridor through interactions with committees (i.e. East Metro
Strong) and the state legislature.
- Develop a bus rapid transit station at the Shoppes at Cottage
View.
COMMERCIAL
Interviews have continued the theme of businesses wanting
more options for their employees and clientele for
restaurants and hotels. Businesses have indicated this
helps with employee retention and makes it easier to
conduct their day-to-day business in Cottage Grove.
Action Steps:
- Continue the work started in 2020 by the Visitors Bureau, to
increase visitors to the community for the attraction of new
restaurants and hotels.
- Market commercial properties for development to
developers and brokers at events like MNCAR Expo and
ICSC Recon