Agenda - Council - 11/15/1983 - Special

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I 2. P_.O. LICIES FOR COORDINATING ~C, ONOMIC, DEV~.LOPMENT . ~OLICY G. Encourage Coordination of Economic Development in the Region. The ipolicy provides that the council make available regional economic data, land use employment, business and labor force information. . COMMENT: This polic~ is supported. The council currently as involved in ~ng and diseminating much of this data. In its planning and review role it has the ability to package and comment on those issues beyond merelg physical development and should do so. I POLICY H. Sponsor Research, Task Force and Forums Focusing on Regional Economic .: ISSUeS. I COMMENT: The tasks as outlined in this policy are appropriate for the council's statutorg planning role. However, caution should bo used to not re-invent the wheel. Research and Forums should be in conjunction with and not overlaping activities being accomplished already by state and othei private organizations as mentioned in the supporting data. POLICY I. Education and Retraining. I I I I COMMENT: To the extent that the council carries out research as to who maybe doing what and synthesizes data on employment needs based on other polic~ tasks and reports this information; this policg is supported. However, if the intent is to become ultimatel~ involved in establishing or operating training programs in the metropolitan area, the policy is strongl~ opposed. The state is acutel,' aware of training and retraining needs. They are involved and committed to tl · area. It is more appropriatel~ handled b~ the state and t~ states educational facilities. POLICY J. ~onitor Economic Development and Measure Governrm~nt Porgram Zmpacts. COMMENT: This policg is appropriate for the Hetropolitan Council Planningrole. i i I 3. BUSINESS FINANCING POLICY POLICY K. Encourage expanded use of financing pkograms in cor~._unities that desi council involement. "This polic~ prOvides for council implemsntation of financin programs to make capital available to primarily small businesses. Two programs, an SBA 503 corporation and issuance of Xndustrial Development Revenue Bonds, are ! proposed. The council states that initially it intends to examine these progran but will implement them at a future time if needed. I I .I I COMMENT: This polic9 is strongl~ opposed for the following reasons: a) Nee~. The need for council involvementin sponsoring either of these programs has not been shown. The basis for 503 is that only 3 cities have one, several outstate regions have or are applying for one, and 100 of 600 regions in the nation have SBA 503 programs. The State of ~innesota curren! has a 503 program in place that can be utilized bw an~ cit~. Cities may in fact applg for 503 if they have a need or desire. The counciA to this date has not indicated that any cit~ or developer has requested or suggested a need for a council program. Finally, at some point in the future the couucil could find itself in an uncomfortable position of being in the midd. of competition between two or more cities over a particular Froject. The b.