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Page 1 of 2 <br /> <br /> EDC AGENDA ITEM – 3B <br /> <br />MEMORANDUM <br /> <br />DATE: February 28, 2024 <br /> <br />TO: Economic Development Commission Chair and Commissioners <br /> <br />FROM: Elena Fransen, Senior Planner <br /> <br />SUBJECT: Economic Development Commission Work Plan Discussion <br /> <br />Requested Action <br /> <br />Staff requests the members of the Economic Development Commission to continue the discussion <br />about an EDC work plan. The EDC is invited to comment on the drafted version of an EDC work <br />plan. <br /> <br />Background <br /> <br />At the January 10, 2024 EDC meeting, commission members discussed initiatives and strategies <br />for the commission’s work plan. Some ideas included a business survey, business directory with a <br />map, business highlights in the City Newsletter, a business welcome packet, community event for <br />business networking as well as a community event for residents to learn about local businesses. <br />The vision and mission of the Arden Hills EDC came up several times. Support was voiced to <br />establish a vision and mission as a foundation for the EDC work plan. <br /> <br />Members of the EDC asked to review the economic development chapter in the City’s 2040 <br />Comprehensive Plan. The 2040 Comprehensive Plan Chapter 8 – Economic Development and <br />Redevelopment (Attachment A) establishes a goal of “Promote the development, redevelopment, <br />and maintenance of a viable, innovative, and diverse business environment serving Arden Hills <br />and the metropolitan area.” This goal can be used as a starting point for the vision and mission of <br />the EDC. <br /> <br />Chapter 8 also includes a list of policies to achieve the stated goal, many of which relate to the <br />ideas shared at the January 10 discussion. Section 8.2 of Chapter 8 states that the EDC “was <br />established to facilitate positive interaction with the business community and to advise the City <br />Council and Economic Development Authority on economic development, redevelopment, and <br />related community development issues.” Staff has drafted the EDC Work plan template <br />(Attachment B) with the Chapter 8 goal, mission statement for the EDC, and several goal policies <br />incorporated into the structure. <br /> <br /> <br />