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<br />St. Cloud Area Economic Development Partnership <br /> <br />The Partnership is a regional organization works with companies and <br />communities throughout the greater SI. Cloud area, including portions of Benton, <br />Stearns and Sherburne Counties. It may be an appropriate partner for Sherburne <br />County economic development efforts, but does not have the capacity to address <br />the land and tax base development goals of the county or provide the type and <br />depth of services envisioned in the county's economic development strategy. <br /> <br />5. The recommended organizational option for providing <br />needed economic development, housing and <br />community development services in the most efficient <br />manner. <br /> <br />In accordance with the statute, the Economic Development Structure Task Force <br />considered four options when evaluating the appropriate economic development <br />structure for Sherburne County. <br />1. Existing situation - Sherburne County Economic Development Alliance, <br />Sherburne County HRA, and County Board <br />2. HRA with EDA Powers . <br />3. EDA <br />4. Special legislation <br /> <br />The Committee has identified that the existing structure is inadequate to obtain <br />the goals set forth in the strategic plan as well as the specific goals of the County <br />Board. It is clear from the Committee that additional efforts and structure will <br />facilitate economic development in the community. The Committee is cognizant <br />of the need to supplement the existing structure both in the County as well as the <br />cities. However, the existing structure is reactive and not progressive in nature. <br /> <br />The Committee has identified that the HRA with EDA powers is not a viable <br />alternative to recommend to the County Board for consideration. <br /> <br />The Committee identified the creation of an EDA for the County as the preferred <br />alternative and set forth its rationale below. <br /> <br />The Committee recognizes that the use of special legislation in the past was <br />used as a means for other County Boards to gain the powers that are now <br />inherent in the structure of the HRNEDA or an EDA as a stand alone. For this <br />reason, the Committee is not recommending this option to the County Board. <br />Further, any future changes necessary to respond to the needs of the community <br />would require legislative action. This may result in lost opportunities for the <br />County and the citizens that they serve. <br /> <br />16 <br />