Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 03/08/2018

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Economic Development Implementation The Metropolitan Council's Regional Development Framework, ThriveMSP 2040, outlines roles for the Metropolitan Council and Ramsey for land use policy. Specific to land use policy, the Metropolitan Council has set a goal for the region to achieve Economic Competitiveness. Ramsey Role • Consider how local efforts to focus economic development strategies along existing commercial centers (historic downtowns or commercial corridors) can contribute to the region's overall economic competitiveness through enhanced integration of local and regional planning efforts. • Protect sites for highway-, river- and rail - dependent manufacturing and freight transportation needs from incompatible uses and identify local land supply and transportation needs for effective use of those sites. • Identify important multimodal intersections, alternative freight routes, key intersections, and other existing opportunities that may contribute to local and regional economic competitiveness. Metropolitan Council Role • Invest in regional amenities and services, including transit, regional parks and trails, and bikeways to support the Emerging Suburban Edge area as an attractive place to locate and do business. • Promote local planning around key intersections, regional infrastructure, and business needs. • Support the development of workforce housing to provide nearby housing options for employees of local employers. • Convene interested partners to further strategies towards increasing regional competitiveness and include discussion of how Emerging Suburban Edge communities can contribute to the region's overall economic growth. Economic Development Tactics • Maintain and Expand our Employment Base o Continue our Business Retention and Expansion Efforts. o Build Out the Bunker Lake Industrial Base. o Plan for the Highway 10 Business Park (next Business Park after Bunker Lake Industrial Park). o Make sites shovel ready. o Provide incentives to achieve our economic development goals. o Be flexible with zoning. • Increase Retail Options for Residents and Businesses o Continue and Expand Current Marketing and Recruitment Efforts for New Retailers. o Improve Access and Visibility for Retailers from Key Corridors. o Consider free land and incentives. o Directly recruit businesses. o Execute a marketing campaign to draw businesses. o Coordinate with existing efforts (Anoka County, DEED, Chambers of Commerce, etc.) • Improve Highway 10 o Establish a Stakeholder Group for Highway 10. o Improve Traffic Conditions (Complete Highway 10 Traffic Plan). o Create a sustainable funding plan for right-of-way acquisition and construction. City of Ramsey 2040 Comprehensive Plan Update Economic Development Plan Page 14of15