Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 02/09/2012

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2/3/2011 2012 WORK PLAN FOR THE RAMSEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY The 2012 Work Plan for the Ramsey EDA outlines existing guidelines for economic development policies, and priority focus areas delineating the highest and the next highest priorities for the current year. Guidelines for the 2012 Work Plan for the Ramsey EDA: ➢ Work to sustain moderate growth or recovery of industrial, commercial, retail, and housing activities in the City. ➢ Begin work on the redevelopment of the 167th/Hwy 47 commercial node, including the potential land acquisition of available lots, the design of infrastructure, creation of TIF District, and additional residential development to support commerce. ➢ 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. ➢ 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 2012: Highest Priorities ➢ Communicate with existing Ramsey businesses through the Ramsey Resident newsletter, Business Network meeting, Business Appreciation Day, and Business Expo. ➢ Expand, retain and create new employment in the City's existing industrial parks. ➢ Research and encourage the City to join the Twin Cities Gateway Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) in order to promote the Comfort Suites Hotel and the community's events (e.g. Happy Days and Game Fair) and venues (e.g. Fountains of Ramsey). ➢ 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. ➢ Review the financial obligations and resources of the City's TIF districts and submit modifications as necessary. ➢ Consider joining the Minnesota Commercial Association of Realtors (MNCAR) Exchange. This would provide access to the Exchange's commercial property database and the ability to list Ramsey properties on the Exchange.