HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.1b Business Inquiry Memo
Business/Development Inquiry
To: Economic Development Authority
Jennifer Levitt, Executive Director
From: Gretchen Larson, Economic Development Director
Jaime Mann, Assistant to the City Administrator
Date: April 7, 2023
Activites that have taken place in the community that may have a potential impact on economic
development activity:
Discussion Staff Action
February 23 Staff attended pre-legislative planning meetings to discuss economic
development related priorities to be presented during the Economic
Development Association of MN (EDAM) day at the capitol event on
March 15.
March 2 Staff attended a Washington County Workforce Summit to discuss
how we can assist our business community with finding talent to fill
open positions.
March 6 Staff and the planning team met with representatives from Trellis who
are building the proposed affordable senior housing at 7601 79th Street
South.
March 9 Staff and the Chamber President met with Tyler Hilsabeck our Open to
Business consultant to continue discussions on a possible partnership
for our respective BRE programs.
March 15 Staff attend the EDAM Day at the Capitol event to help promote
economic development priorities for the session. We met with Senator
Seeberger and Representatives Hudella and Wiens. All of them
expressed staunch support for legislation related to the JCF and MIF,
childcare affordability for workers, increased funding for the
redevelopment fund, workforce development, and affordable housing,
and reinstating historic tax credits.
March 16 Staff meet with representatives from DEED and Up North Plastics to
begin the final closeout of their MIF and JCF programs.
March 27 Staff continued discussions with a developer interested in bringing a
hotel concept to the 80th Street area where the former post office and
the Village Green Shopping Center are located. Phase 1
Environmental reports have been completed and Phase 2 reports
authorized.
March 30 Staff met with representatives from Trellis to discuss some
adjustments to their building site. We hope to have everything ready
for consideration of TIF for the EDA in June.