Laserfiche WebLink
Page 2 of 3 <br /> <br />The group discussed the strategies and elected to focus on in-person business visits to get started <br />and help inform future work of the EDC. A subcommittee was identified to support the business <br />visits strategy and the visits were planned for late 2024. <br /> <br />EDC members conducted visits starting in September 2024. At the February 26, 2025 meeting, the <br />EDC discussed the in-person business visits and next steps to complete these visits. The EDC <br />reviewed results (Attachment D) and decided as a group that the visits could continue in an ad hoc <br />manner. <br /> <br />During the February 26 meeting, the group discussed hosting an event for local businesses. This <br />was a strategy previously considered by the EDC in 2024. While revisiting this topic at the April <br />23 meeting, the EDC talked about the following other work plan strategies: <br />- A local business list on the City’s website <br />- A sort of landing page on the City’s website for prospective or new Arden Hills businesses <br />- Reviewing the business licensing process <br /> <br />Staff also introduced the Zoning Code Update that a consulting team from HKGi is working on, <br />which includes updates to the standards and regulations for commercial zoning districts and the <br />sign code. The EDC may consider how the group’s review of the proposed updates could fit with <br />the work plan for 2025. <br /> <br />Discussion <br /> <br />The EDC should revisit the work plan discussion from 2024 and establish how and what the EDC <br />will implement from the work plan in 2025. Specifics for the proposed business event will be <br />addressed in a later agenda item. Several prompts for discussion have been provided for the EDC <br />to consider. <br /> <br />Work Plan Document review <br />- Discuss current form <br /> <br />Business Visit Results <br />- Discuss findings <br />- Consider how findings could influence work plan <br /> <br />Strategies discussed in 2025 <br />- Discuss if items could be included in the 2025 plan of work <br /> <br />Work Plan Document review <br />- Consider revisions based on results and other strategies discussed <br /> <br />The EDC may also consider interest in working on different strategies at the same time and how <br />the group might leverage subcommittees to take action between meetings. <br /> <br />Next Steps <br /> <br />Based on the EDC discussion, staff will work with EDC members to adapt the 2024 EDC Work <br />Plan to incorporate the goals and tasks for 2025. Subcommittees may be formed to put together <br />goals, milestones, and timelines for current and proposed work plan tasks. <br />