3.0. EDSR 08-19-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Strategic Partnership Strategy Results The City of Elk River Strategic Industrial Marketing Plan 2000-2002 identified the following partnership strategies to ensure long-term economic development growth: ❑ Improve the attractiveness of the E. Highway 10 and central business district, o Promote a coordinated Highway 10 corridor plan, o Promote Commuter Rail, o Promote all levels of Housing, and ❑ Support Training and Education. The City's Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) initiated Requests for Proposals (RFP's) from developers for the Downtown Revitalization Project in March 2002. A developer will be selected in August on the basis of experience with similar projects, the overall quality of their proposals, their architectural intent and demonstrated interest. In 2001,the HRA supported a sidewalk replacement project throughout the central business district. New trees, flowerpots and trash receptacles were also added to improve the attractiveness of the area. The City hasbeen involved • with the Northstar Commuter Rail Corridor project since 1997. From a planning perspective,the Senior Planner has been the primary contact person for the City. The Mayor has actively promoted the project at the Legislature. The City also contributed to the "Quality of Life" investing $565,000 to save the "Little Theater" at the high school. The theater will be used by local art groups for a variety of performance opportunities and provides a second performing arts space when the new auditorium is booked for school functions. The Central Minnesota Housing Partnership reviewed and analyzed the City's housing needs. The study identified that the City needed a wide range of housing levels and types. The Minnesota Technology, Inc. "Our Competitive Nature:Minnesota's Technology Economy," June 2002 report, identifies what it takes for a state to be a technology- supportive state—which supports manufacturing firms,dot-coms,telecoms and bio-medical tech firms. The report identifies the need for continued long-term investments to support a future technology infrastructure including K-12 education and higher education,regional research and development capacity,transportation and quality of life. Thus supporting the need for the City of Elk River to be a strategic partner for K-12,transportation, housing issues and community amenities that enhance the quality of life to support local economic development. • Duckor&Associates,Inc. 19 A BluePrint for Your Success. ..Today and Tomorrow