7.1. EDSR 09-21-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The Elk River Vision A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity Request for Action To Economic Development Authority Item Number 7.1 Agenda Section General Business Meeting Date June 15, 2020 Prepared by Amanda Othoudt, Economic Development Director Item Description Chamber of Commerce Business Survey: Concern #11, #15 Reviewed by Cal Portner, City Administrator Reviewed by Action Requested • Receive information, provide feedback. • Agree, by consensus, the action sufficiently meets or exceeds expectations to address concerns/recommendations from the Chamber of Commerce Business Survey: Concern #11 and #15. Background/Discussion Citing concerns regarding the business atmosphere experienced by developers with the city, the EDA commissioned a survey through the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce to identify specific concerns. Two follow up meetings were held with participants of the survey with Commissioners Westgaard, Wagner and Blesener. The information gathered was shared with the city administrator who developed a workplan to address the concerns. Staff will review all the concerns outlined in the workplan organized by department prior to the EDA regular meetings scheduled in May, June, July, with a wrap up in August. At their May 18, 2020, meeting, the EDA reviewed concerns #2 and #9 and directed staff to continue the discussion for concern #11 and #15 at a future EDA meeting. Concern #11: EDA/HRA Loan processes are cumbersome. Can they be simplified and expedited? The Joint Finance Committee and the EDA completed the review of all loan programs and policies in April of 2017. The application process was simplified for applicants. Since 2017, the EDA approved the new Energy Incentive Program, updated the Jobs Incentive Program, and created a new COVID-19 Emergency Small Business Microloan program.