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In step two, the research completed in step one is reviewed and priority projects are identified <br />based on the issues that surface from the data analysis. The review process also involves <br />addressing short-term, immediate problems, or “warning flags.” Examples of warning flags <br />might include issues with public services or the threat of a business relocating. Once the broader <br />systemic issues are identified, project ideas that would help address these main areas of concern <br />can be developed. The final step is to select a handful of projects that are the most likely to <br />succeed and can easily be implemented. <br /> <br />In step three, project teams are organized to implement the selected projects. In this final step of <br />the BRE program, it is critical to hold regular meetings so project teams can provide updates on <br />the status of their work and results can be evaluated. Documentation and publicity is also <br />important during this phase to demonstrate to the business community that concrete steps are <br />being taken to address their concerns. Following the completion of the projects, a community <br />will need to decide how to best sustain the initiatives generated by the BRE program. <br /> <br /> <br />Next Steps <br /> <br />Since 1996, the University of Minnesota Extension has provided technical assistance and applied <br />research to help communities develop and implement BRE programs. A component of their work <br />is to train community leaders and economic development professionals on the fundamentals of <br />BRE and City staff is currently enrolled in a ten-week course offered by the Extension. A <br />requirement of the class is to complete a final paper, which gives participants the chance to <br />synthesize the material covered and develop a general framework for a BRE program in their <br />community. Following the completion of the course in late March, staff will present this paper to <br />the EDC and ask for feedback. <br /> <br />In the upcoming months, staff will be reaching out to other cities in the metro that have <br />implemented BRE programs in order to learn about the successes and shortcomings of their <br />efforts. Staff will also have discussions with the EDC on the costs and benefits of a BRE <br />program, priorities the City should set in terms of the scope of a BRE program, and ideas on <br />community members who could serve on a leadership team and task force. <br /> <br /> <br />