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GRE Business Retention Visit Update <br />May 10, 2010 <br />Page2of2 <br />• Complete and implement land use plans to ensure the development community of <br />the city's shared vision for the area rather than promises to build it if they come. <br />Actions speak louder than words -what is the city "doing" vs "planning-on-doing" <br />• In the site selection process, developers are seeking sites/cities that provide the <br />"path of least resistance" and the most encouragement and assistance. Any land <br />assembly, public infrastructure, or site preparation work that can be completed prior <br />to business recruitment allows the developer the opportunity to "fast-track" the <br />development process and control development costs. <br />• Invest in training building/planning department staff ahead of time on principles of <br />LEED design and have a process in place wherein new or unconventional <br />methods/means/processes/technologies can get considered and approved for a <br />seamless site plan review (e.g. prairie grass, wind turbine, proof of parking). <br />• Identify, enhance, and build on community's amenities (e.g. established retail areas, <br />trails/parks, mass transit). <br />• Identify, enhance, and build on community's image and built-environment (e.g. areas <br />of blight/substandard building conditions, code enforcement, compatible land uses <br />within visible distance). <br />• Cities need to think like businesses when it comes to development/redevelopment <br />(i.e. present sites from a business viewpoint and value of investment). <br />• The ability of a community to tell the story from a distance is crucial. Identify, <br />enhance and build on the Elk River brand -promote what makes us special and <br />unique. The qualities and benefits of locating in Elk River must be identified and <br />showcased. <br />