10-02-2023 JDA Agenda Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

She explained the vision for GREATER MSP was to lead the world in inclusive economic growth by welcoming all, empowering talent and igniting innovation. She discussed how Ramsey County has both an inflow and outflow of workers. She stated Arden Hills was already a major employment center in the metro area. She reported there was a growing need to manufacture while the need for office space was declining. She commented further on the emerging technologies and industries that were growing in the region. She encouraged the JDA to consider sustainability within the Rice Creek Commons development while having flexible uses that will accommodate multi-tenant spaces and to target industries while also connecting to housing. Bruce Nustad, Minnesota Retailers Association, introduced himself to the JDA and explained he works with retailers across the State. He discussed what makes retail successful in a community. He noted there were 52,636 retailers in Minnesota and made up 20% of the State’s economy. He reported Minnesota has long been a hub of innovation in retail from the creation of the first modern mall to the largest retail shopping mall (Mall of America). He explained consumer spending continues to grow going forward. He then reviewed the number of retailers located in Blaine and Roseville. He discussed how retail was destination-centric in Minnesota. He commented on how retail needed a healthy eco-system with a mix of retailers. He noted balanced communities have a strong retail backbone and reported infrastructure was important to Minnesotans in order to continue support in store shopping and delivery/pickup. Anne Mavity, Minnesota Housing Partnership, introduced herself to the JDA and commented on the housing market in Ramsey County. She reported all housing types were in need in Minnesota at this time. She described how the cost to build homes was now higher than some people could afford. She discussed how the housing supply was disrupted when the housing bubble that burst in 2007 and 2008. She explained the State was currently 106,000 units short on low income housing, which was a system failure for workers. She commented further on how the housing system in Minnesota was broken and how there were ownership disparities for minorities. She discussed how housing insecurity was impacting homeowners in Ramsey County and reported full-time jobs still can’t pay for an average home. She reported there was a rising need for housing within reach for families and indicated the City would have to be intentional in order to bring more of these units to fruition. She stated housing was a fundamental need and noted the State legislature put $2 billion towards housing in 2023. Professor Thomas Fisher, University of Minnesota, introduced himself to the JDA and noted he runs a research center that focuses on urban design and transportation. He explained he recently wrote a book on living through the pandemic and reported pandemics bring about permanent changes to communities that take decades to unfold. He stated density is economically essential and it comes in a variety of forms. He encouraged the JDA to consider housing options for the two biggest demographics which are the boomers and millennials. He urged the JDA to work with building code officials and lenders to encourage more “missing middle” housing while also allowing for flexibility in how people live and work with mixed-use buildings and neighborhoods. He commented on how neighborhood clubhouses, spaces where people may work and also provide amenities, were emerging in the post-pandemic world. He