Laserfiche WebLink
• <br /> �-/kRREN HILLS <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> DATE: February 1, 2012 EDC Agenda Item 3.A <br /> TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners <br /> FROM: Jill Hutmacher, Community Development Director r W <br /> SUBJECT: 2012 EDC Work Plan <br /> At the October 19, 2011, Economic Development Commission meeting, Commissioners <br /> reviewed potential 2012 work plan items. Commissioner feedback was incorporated into the <br /> draft work plan, and discussed at the December 7, 2011, EDC meeting. At the December 7 <br /> meeting, Commissioners discussed the following: <br /> • Identifying commercial areas or specific properties that are facing challenges; <br /> • Utilizing the City's existing revolving fund for a business loan program to assist <br /> challenged properties; <br /> • Working with the City Council and the EDA to define development goals; and <br /> • Prioritizing communications with the business community. <br /> The first two items above have been added to the draft work plan under the heading, "Business <br /> Improvement, Expansion and Retention." Under the heading, "Tax Increment Financing <br /> Policy,"the EDC will be working with the City Council and EDA to define development goals. <br /> Business communications are already incorporated into Business Outreach, but will also be a <br /> very important component of the City Website Redesign Project. The website redesign project is <br /> a high priority for the City Council and staff. Staff will be devoting a significant amount of time <br /> to the new website in 2012. The website should also be a very high priority for the EDC. While <br /> many cities do not offer financial assistance or other programs for businesses, nearly every city <br /> provides information on its website that promotes the city as a place to do business and provides <br /> businesses with information and links to resources. The City of Arden Hills does not currently <br /> provide economic development information on its website, but has an opportunity in 2012 to <br /> dramatically improve businesses communication and outreach through the website. <br /> Recommendation <br /> Approve the 2012 Economic Development Commission Work Plan. <br /> City of Arden Hills <br /> Economic Development Commission February 1, 2012 <br /> Page 1 of 1 <br />