Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 02/10/2011

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2011 WORK PLAN IDEAS FOR THE RAMSEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 2/2/2011 The 2011 Work Plan for the Ramsey EDA should outline priority focus areas, existing economic development policies, and proposed long -term strategies for implementation. Guidelines for the 2011 Work Plan for the Ramsey EDA: ➢ Work to sustain moderate growth or recovery of industrial, commercial, retail, and housing activities in the City. ➢ Target family -wage to high salary employment opportunities in a variety of industries. ➢ Continue to target businesses in specific industries, including medical, precision manufacturing, aerospace, and other high tech fields. ➢ Encourage the retention and growth of existing local firms. ➢ Ensure quality growth and land use by streamlined, effective regulations and code enforcement. ➢ Continue to respond to specific requests for assistance from local companies. A Use infrastructure investment to attract new firms and for development of designated areas. ➢ Maximize private, local, state, and federal funding for projects. Priority Focus Areas for 2011: ➢ Continue to promote multiple modes of transportation, including supporting the efforts to obtain funding for the railroad station. ➢ Support the work of the Development Management (DM) Team to bring potential developers, retailers and office users to sites in the Center of Ramsey (COR); and provide regular updates about the COR to the EDA. ➢ Follow -up on the results of the Retail Site Assessment of Ramsey's Customer Profile undertaken by Buxton in 2008. ➢ Review the financial obligations and resources of the City's TIF districts and submit modifications as necessary. ➢ Communicate with existing Ramsey businesses through the Ramsey Resident newsletter, Business Network meeting, Business Appreciation Day, and Business Expo. ➢ Move forward with new Village Profile map of the City of Ramsey, as well as the new Anoka Area Chamber of Commerce map. ➢ Utilize the City's website and a software provider (such as E -Gov Link or Co -Star) to improve the community's real estate and business intelligence platform. A Facilitate the Falls Coffee and Deli /Wells Catering project moving forward with its relocation to the COR. ➢ Although Ramsey does have a variety of fast -food restaurants, there is a strong desire for additional "sit- down" or full - service restaurants in the community. Develop a coherent Full- Service Restaurant subsidy policy.