Minutes - Economic Development Authority - 07/13/2017

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Member Williams encouraged the group to continue to discuss the vision, because if the EDA does not provide input, they will become reactive to someone else's vision rather than being a part of that voice. She provided additional input on the vision statement and the groups that have been involved. Economic Dev. Mgr/Assistant City Administrator Brama stated that he can add language that the EDA would like to continue to be a part of the visioning process. Member Williams suggested that the EDA take the vision statement and make their recommended changes; considering what the statement is today and whether the robust statement is what they want to put forward to developers. She stated that she has thoughts on the plan from an EDA perspective, noting that the momentum of the document is going to represent the vision of The COR, although it reads more like a working document from one group (Planning Commission). She did not believe it is representative of what the EDA or the City as a whole would like to see. Economic Dev. Mgr/Assistant City Administrator Brama stated that he can bring that document back to the EDA to review and provide input. Chairperson Steffen agreed that the EDA should be involved rather than simply reviewing the work of the Planning Commission. He stated that it would be helpful for the EDA to jump on board before the train gets too far out of the station. The consensus of the EDA is to stay the course and reassess in the future, while continuing to participate in the vision discussion. 4.02: 2018 EDA Workplan Economic Dev. Mgr/Assistant City Administrator Brama presented the staff report. Chairperson Steffen asked for clarification on business incubators. Economic Dev. Mgr/Assistant City Administrator Brama provided additional details on flexible workspaces, noting that many microbusinesses start in that manner because they do not have the capacity to lease space. Chairperson Steffen stated that he would support having business incubators within the Workplan. He stated that RALF moved from secondary to primary and asked if there were any other shifts. Economic Dev. Mgr/Assistant City Administrator Brama confirmed that was the only shift. Member Riley stated that the City is only looking at strategic RALF properties. He noted that in the past the City was too aggressive and is now being more strategic in acquiring properties, rather than simply acquiring the properties and removing them from the tax roll. Economic Development Authority/July 13,2017 Page 4 of 9