7.1. EDSR 09-21-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Request for Action Cir•ci Elk - River= To Item Number Economic Development Authority 7.1 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by General September 21, 2020 Amanda Othoudt,EDD Item Description Reviewed by Chamber of Commerce Business Survey Recap Zack Carlton,Planning Manager Suzanne Fischer, Community Development Director Reviewed by Cal Portner, City Administrator Action Requested Receive information,provide feedback. Background/Discussion Citing undocumented 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. Over the course of several months, staff addressed concerns addressed by the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce survey and presented it to the Commission. Below is a summary of key take-a-ways from the matrix discussion. Concern # 2: Current rebate programs are insufficient to achieve the objectives of the stated goals. It was consensus of the Authority that current rebate programs are adequate with room for improvement and continual review,given how the city markets Elk River as Energy City. Concern # 9 (a): Can there be a proactive approach to business development such as educating builders, contractors, owners before a project is submitted? (b): Communications regarding process requirements for Building Permits, Codes, Loan Programs and Ordinances needs to be timely, consistent, clear, transparent, and communicated upfront, before excessive money is spent. It was consensus of the Authority while there is progress made and while there are key activities, there is opportunity for better visibility and the Authority feels this is not quite adequate to this point. Concern #11 EDA loan processes are cumbersome. Can they be simplified and expedited? The consensus of the EDA was to have the EDA attorney review all programs and applications and redline what must be kept in the policy and come back for review of the discretionary language for the EDA to consider. The Elk River Vision P I I E I E I I Y A welcoming community avith revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional [NAfUR service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity. Updated.August 2020