6. EDSR 04-23-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Staff works with GreaterMSP on specific site requests and recently attended a meeting with GreaterMSP and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce to identify additional ways we can partner to further economic development in the state. Recent Inquiries/Prospects Staff has been working with Sherburne County, Elk River Municipal Utilities and GreaterMSP to market acounty-owned piece of property for a future data center. We have also met with a couple potential manufacturers interested in EDA-owned property. Region 7W Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) In 2009, staff and a few EDA, HRA Commissioners, and the Mayor participated in public information meetings to develop economic development strategies for the Region 7W (Stearns, Benton, Wright, Sherburne Counties). The CEDS analyzes the regional economy and serves as a guide for establishing regional goals and objectives, devising and implementing a regional plan of action, and identifying investmentpriorities and funding sources. A CEDS is required by the US Dept. of Commerce in order to access federal economic development grants for infrastructure, disaster recovery and some stimulus funding programs. The CEDS plan was recently completed and submitted fall 2010.. Staff attends periodic meetings to discuss this plan and to learn about potential grants and programswhich we may be eligible for. Ta Law Earlier this year, a brewer taproom license (otherwise known as the. "Surly Bill" and "Minnesota Pint Law" (Subd. 6,. Section 340A.101) was approved by the MN Legislature. This gives production breweries such as Surly, Schell's, Summit, etc. the opportunity to sell pints of beer at their brewery. The City Council approved a tap room ordinance earlier this year. Discussions between staff and the site selection firm representing Surly have indicated they are not interested in located outside of the metro at this time. Business subsidy reporting In 2009, the Bank of Elk River was granted an extension to achieve their job and wage goals as outlined in their 2007 Tax Abatement and Business Subsidy Agreement for the renovation and expansion of their downtown location, extending their deadline to September of 2011. In October, The bank requested an additional two-year extension. It was approved by the City Council, extending their job creation and wage goal deadline date to September of 2013. Staff continues to complete the mandatory annual reporting to the state for other tax abatement and business subsidy agreements. Northstar Commuter Rail The US Department of Housing and Urban Development received a grant to execute a market analysis study along the Northstar Corridor. Staff has met with consultants to provide community information, plans and resources to assist in the study. An open house revealing the results is anticipated to be held mid-2012. N:\Departments\Community Development\Economic Development\EDA to move\Agenda\Yeaz 2012\423-12 EDA Agenda\ED Project Updates.doc