7.2. EDSR 09-21-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City of Elk �-- Request for Action River To Item Number Economic Development Authority= 7.2 Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by General Business September 21, 2020 Colleen Eddy, Economic Development Specialist Item Description Reviewed by Strategic Plan Update Amanda Othoudt,ED Director Reviewed by Cal Portner, City Administrator Action Requested Receive an update on the Strategic Plan. Background/Discussion The EDA Strategic Plan is progressing along the proposed timeline.At the May 18, 2020, meeting, Stantec held a kick of meeting with the EDA. On June 3, 2020, Stantec facilitated a focus group discussion with the EDA to identify strengths,weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Staff conducted a site tour with Stantec on June 11,participated in three Stantec-facilitated focus groups on June 24 focusing on industrial/commercial development,real estate and development, downtown business community. At their July 20, 2020, meeting Stantec provided a recap of the findings to the EDA. In August, Stantec conducted more research and scheduled meetings with peer cities. In September, Stantec's Project Leader,Tom Leighton, facilitated structured interviews with the peer city economic development staff in the following communities: ■ September 3, 2020 Bob Streetar,the Community Development Director with the City of Oakdale ■ September 9, 2020 Dan Undem,the Assistant City Administrator with the City of Forest Lake ■ September 11, 2020 Nate Kabat,the Assistant City Administrator with the City of Chaska The last update from Stantec in August referenced that they would be updating you this evening. However, due to time constraints,Tom is prepared to present an update for you later this month during a special meeting on the peer city findings and facilitate a 169 Redefine discussion. The next task in the Strategic Plan proposal is to facilitate a public meeting,which will be a time to present a summary of Elk River's place in the regional economic landscape,its locational and economic strengths,and weaknesses. In addition,the public meeting will address the EDA's existing resources and programmatic activities, and a menu of potential opportunities for strengthening local economic competitiveness. This public meeting will be facilitated as an open house at the multipurpose facility on Thursday, October 15, 2020 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. Financial Impact N/A The Elk River Vision A Y�elcoming community nvith revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional p D W E H E D D Y service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity ,g /` UR