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The Elk River Vision <br />A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community <br />engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity <br /> <br />Request for Action <br /> <br />To <br />Housing and Redevelopment Authority <br />Item Number <br />6.2 <br /> <br />Meeting Date <br />May 5, 2025 <br />Prepared By <br />Joshua Mollan, Economic Development Specialist <br /> <br />Item Description <br />Consider Elk River Garden Gem Awards <br />Reviewed by <br />Brent O'Neil <br />Cal Portner <br /> <br />Action Requested <br />Approve, by motion, the creation of Elk River Garden Gem Awards, a new landscape and garden recognition <br />program, in partnership with the Economic Development Authority. <br /> <br /> <br />Background/Discussion <br />The Beautification and Public Art Committee has been working on an initiative to highlight and recognize <br />exceptional landscapes in Elk River. The Committee recommends adopting a new annual program to highlight <br />properties with significant landscape enhancements. This program is anticipated to be in partnership with the <br />Economic Development Authority (EDA). While the Housing and Redevelopment Authority would be <br />responsible for non-commercial properties, including single-family, townhome, and neighborhood categories, <br />the EDA would be responsible for the recognition and awards for commercial properties, which they <br />approved at their April meeting. <br /> <br />Annual awards are proposed to be given to the winning gardens/landscapes in each category: a personalized <br />garden keepsake, a temporary yard sign, and an additional award/stipend as determined by the respective <br />authorities at a later date. <br /> <br />While this is a proposed annual program, it should be noted that the Beautification and Public Art Committee <br />will plan on reviewing program guidelines after the first year to determine any changes that would be <br />necessary to better align with participation levels and feedback from the community. <br /> <br />If approved, staff will finalize marketing materials and be prepared to launch the program this month. <br /> <br />This program is inspired by Brooklyn Park's Summer Blossom Awards, which have been supported by the <br />community for over 25 years. <br /> <br />Financial Impact <br />Annual expense is anticipated to be roughly $1,000 drawn from the existing advertising and marketing budget. <br /> <br />Mission/Policy/Goal <br />Improve existing housing stock by offering incentives or programs to repair and maintain residential <br />properties. <br />Page 16 of 36