08-05-24 JDA - Laserfiche WebLink

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None. New Business a. Update on Communications Ms. Mitchell stated in May, Goff Public worked with Ramsey County to prepare a reactive media statement on the conclusion of the 2024 legislative session and lack of infrastructure bonding bill. Given other developments in the final days of session, Rice Creek Commons was not widely mentioned in related media coverage. Finance & Commerce published an article on June 20 with updates on the infrastructure RFP process, energy and sustainability conversations, and Outlot A titled Ramsey County plans for Rice Creek Commons infrastructure work. Goff Public worked with Ramsey County to prepare a statement on the infrastructure RFP timeline, which was attributed to Larina Vosika DeWalt of Ramsey County. Ms. Mitchell explained Goff Public also worked with Ramsey County to prepare and distribute a summer Rice Creek Commons newsletter. The newsletter was sent to 4,639 subscribers on Monday, July 15. Topics included green energy goals, Outlot A, Kimley-Horn’s selection as lead infrastructure engineering partner, main parcel development, and the Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) update process. Based on click data, the most popular topic was Outlot A followed by the green energy goals and Ramsey County’s Climate Equity Action Plan. The newsletter had a 4% click rate (about twice the industry average) and a 34% open rate (in line with the industry average). Since the last communications update, there was one inquiry through the Rice Creek Commons microsite contact portal, which County staff responded to. b. Recommendation from Energy Advisory Committee on Sustainability Certification Commissioner Monson stated the Energy Advisory Committee has worked with consultants Ever-Green Energy and LHB to make a recommendation to the JDA on how to implement the Rice Creek Commons Energy Vision. She commented further on the process for developing this recommendation for pursuing sustainability certification for the site. Ms. Mitchell reviewed the timeline and previous meetings from the Energy Advisory Committee. He explained the goal for Rice Creek Commons was to be walkable and sustainable within itself, achieves ambitious goals without pricing itself out of the market, is a model for communities across the United States, inspires others, demonstrates trying to go as far as possible and is financially viable for both the City and County. Rick Carter, LHB, provided the JDA with a presentation that addressed the Energy Advisory Committee’s energy vision, pathways in support of the energy vision, considerations that would have to be made, along with highlighting recommendations and next steps. He explained the Energy Advisory Committee recommended the JDA pursue LEED for Communities certification for Rice Creek Commons, noting this would be a great marketing tool for this development. He