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Page 1 of 3 <br /> <br /> <br />AGENDA ITEM – 3B <br /> <br />MEMORANDUM <br /> <br />DATE: April 13, 2026 <br /> <br />TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers <br /> Jessica Jagoe, City Administrator <br /> <br />FROM: Elena Fransen, AICP, Senior Planner <br /> <br />SUBJECT: Economic Development Commission – 2026-2027 Draft Work Plan <br /> <br />Budgeted Amount: Actual Amount: Funding Source: <br />N/A N/A N/A <br /> <br />Background <br />The City Council adopted its first three-year strategic plan on November 24, 2025. The first year <br />of the plan includes several strategic directions, including enhancing the City’s identity and <br />strengthening partnerships. A 2026 priority within that direction is the adoption of an Economic <br />Development Commission work plan. <br />At the January 2026 meeting, the Commission discussed possible EDC work plan tasks and <br />strategies for the coming year. The group agreed that the group’s mission is to be a bridge between <br />the City of Arden Hills and the Arden Hills business community. As such, the EDC sees its roles <br />as: making connections with existing local businesses, learning about business needs, and being a <br />knowledgeable source for City programs and resources for businesses. Previous EDC activities <br />include reviewing the sign code and making recommendations for revisions (Fall 2023 - Spring <br />2024), conducting in-person business visits (Fall 2024 - Spring 2025), and hosting a gathering for <br />Arden Hills businesses (October 2025). <br />At the February meeting, the EDC reviewed the City’s 2026-2027 Strategic Plan alongside a draft <br />EDC work plan that incorporated the EDC mission and connected it with the citywide strategic <br />plan goals of increased business participation and improved communication reach. The EDC finds <br />that these goals go hand-in-hand with the group’s mission and perceived role within the Arden <br />Hills community. <br />