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EDC Minutes May 4, 2016 Page 2 of 4 Senior Planner Bachler noted that for 2016, staff recommended to the EDA that the City focus on visiting businesses in the Red Fox-Grey Fox Business District due to transportation issues, new businesses in the Red Fox Business Center, and recent business turnover in the area. He then provided further details on the next steps for this priority project. Commissioner Lassen asked how the City would use the information from the business visits. Senior Planner Bachler noted that feedback from businesses could help inform discussions around traffic issues along the Lexington Avenue corridor and future land use plans for this area of the City. Community Development Director Hutmacher noted that the Planning Commission’s 2016 work plan included looking specifically at the B-4 District and whether the current purpose and allowed uses in this district is consistent with the City’s long-term vision for the area. Commissioner Johnson commented on the importance of meeting with existing businesses in the area to understand what issues they face and how the City can help address any concerns. The Commission supported the staff recommendation to focus on the Red Fox-Grey Fox Business District and the proposed next steps for this project. Senior Planner Bachler explained that the second priority project was to convene a roundtable of commercial real estate brokers in Arden Hills in order to gather information on local market dynamics. He noted that SPACC expressed a willingness to organize the roundtable discussion. Staff would provide a summary report to the EDC and EDA. Commissioner Lassen questioned what the amount of commercial real estate volume was in Arden Hills on an annual basis in terms of leasing. Senior Planner Bachler stated that he did not have information on these figures. Community Development Director Hutmacher noted that a majority of the retail, office, and industrial properties in the City are leased by only a handful of brokerage companies. The Commission was supportive of proceeding with this priority project. Senior Planner Bachler explained that the final priority project was to explore the City’s role in workforce development. He noted that this would involve researching resources that are currently available through Ramsey County, the State, and other entities, and beginning to build relationships with local community colleges and Mounds View Public Schools. The Commission was supportive of proceeding with this priority project. B. State of the City Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that a State of the City event has been held in four of the previous five years. She noted that in the past two years, two events have been