7.1. EDSR 09-21-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Through B-TAP, the city contracts with local non-profit organizations focused on entrepreneur training and economic development to provide direct services to new and existing businesses. The Organizational Chart for the City of Minneapolis 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 is currently reviewing the Economic Development Business Microloan program. The Authority should review the attached policies and provide direction to staff on policy changes within each of the financial applications to ensure a smooth and efficient application process. Concern #15: Some perceived that the personal agenda of a staff member can influence the way City process is interpreted. The Comprehensive Plan and EDA Strategic Plan updates will provide clarification of EDA/Council and direction for interpretation. Concern #15: Shouldn’t it be a collective effort, or common goal, for staff and entrepreneurs to build and grow the business community in Elk River together? Realtor Day – Staff held Realtor Day on February 26, 2020. Nearly 50 realtors, brokers and developers attended this event. This was an opportunity for realtors, brokers, and developers to hear about new projects, development opportunities, and initiatives of the city. This has become an annual event in partnership with the St. Paul Area Association of Realtors. Developer Forums – Staff scheduled a developer forum on March 26, 2020, to educate local developers on the Main/Gates redevelopment project. The forum was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Similar types of developer forums have been held in the past educating the public on new development opportunities. Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) visits conducted by staff from economic development, planning, environmental and engineering, ISD #728, EDA Commissioners, Council Members, and County Commissioners. It is at these meetings that we learn if a business is seeking to expand, which gives us an opportunity to educate owners on the process. Staff provides developers with an option to conduct a concept review with the City Council. This gives developers an opportunity to present their project to the council and request feedback and direction on their project. Most recently, the EDA established the #TogetherElkRiver campaign, which is a partnership with the EDA and the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce. This marketing campaign was derived to assist small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.