3.1. EDSR 07-16-2018Request for Action
To Item Number
Economic Development Authority 3.1.
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
General Business July 16, 2018 Amanda Othoudt, EDD
Item Description Reviewed by
2019 EDA Budget & Budget Goals Lori Ziemer, Finance Director
Reviewed by
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Information presented for discussion only. Action is to be taken at the August 20, 2018, EDA meeting.
Background/Discussion
As part of the budget process, a budget workshop is advisable to allow for informal discussions regarding
the goals and objectives, major projects, and other items influencing the EDA budget.
Staff prepared a draft budget to address several of the goals outlined in the strategic plan, downtown plan,
the city’s vision worksheet, and through recent EDA discussion. In order to meet the requirements of the
EDA Bylaws, the EDA must approve the budget at their August 20, 2018, regular meeting and make
recommendation to the City Council at the September 4, 2018, regular meeting.
As drafted, the proposed expenditures are $185,000. Due to the new comp plan implementation; this
does not yet include wages and benefits. Staff is proposing a slight decrease in expenditures for office
supplies, fuels, legal, conferences and schools, advertising and marketing, dues and subscriptions. Staff is
proposing to allocate $45,000 towards the wetland credit bank which will be a shared initiative between
the EDA and the Environmental divisions. The EDA may want to discuss allocating a certain dollar
amount for the creation of a business incubator program in 2019.
The EDA levy options are as follows:
1) The balanced rate will be determined when we receive the Estimated Market Value from
Sherburne County. Typically received in August.
2) 0.01813% - Previous/Maximum rate will generate approximately $384,000 in revenue and would
add additional revenue into reserves.
All levy options are applied against the Estimated Market Value that will be obtained from Sherburne
County. In addition to the tax levy, we also calculate interest income of $3,800 and $3,500 transfer from
the HRA for supplies and shared costs.
Financial Impact
None
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Attachments
EDA 2019 Budget Goals
2017-2020 EDA/HRA Strategic Plan
EDA Budget Worksheet
Division Performance Measures & Goals for 2019
Division:Economic Development
Completed by:Amanda Othoudt, EDD
Date:June 25, 2018
Performance Measure
2017 Actual2018 Estimated2019 Projected
Conduct BR&E Visits242424
Facilitate 4 Site Visits234
Track percentage of applications
0.00%3.80%0.10%
processed in the Revolving Loan Fund
Division Goal
Goal Objective/Task
Strategic Recruiting: Attend targeted industry (data centers,
manufacturing, energy, medical device technology) trade
shows, leverage opportunities with local companies. Identify
key decision makers, provide FAM tours, coordinate
development meetings with city/county/state. Partner with
Market the City of Elk River and gain positive exposure for the city
Positively MN, Sherburne County and ERMU. Promote
available properties on MNCAR and MN Prospector. Attend
Annual Site Selector Guild Conference.
Grow and maintain an inventory of private and public properties available Establish wetland bank to facilitate new development where
for future developmentwetlands impede growth
Maximize and leverage DEED monies, Initiative Foundation,
Maintain financial incentives to enhance economic developmentSherburne County Revolving Loan Fund and other financial
tools and incentives
Conduct Business Retention and Expansion visits to local
Celebrate and grow our existing businesses
businesses
Coordinate with other city departments on the creation of a
Develop a Business Friendly/Siting"
Welcome business packet/process.
Develop and expand a microloan program to encourage 50 new green
Work with ERMU and Environmental Departments
collar jobs by 2024
Increase by 5 the number of companies that are actively manufacturing
products or components of products that are directly or indirectly used in Work with ERMU and Environmental Departments
renewable energy or energy efficiency by 2024
2016-2020 EDA/HRA Strategic Plan
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Attract new businesses and support existing businesses to increase the city’s industrial tax base,
commercial tax base and employment base.
INDUSTRIAL STRATEGIES
Promote available sites, encourage business retention and expansion to grow existing
light industrial base with business recruitment/attraction techniques
Diversify economic base to include professional services, corporate campuses, energy-
related companies, and technology businesses
Review existing programs, resources, and services and recommend improvements to
increase competitive advantage and support goals
Explore creative economic development collaborations
Utilize Energy City and its tools to recruit new and assist existing businesses
COMMERCIAL STRATEGIES
Promote available sites, encourage business retention and expansion to grow existing
commercial base with business recruitment/attraction techniques
Diversify economic base to include a wide variety of retail and service industries, as well
as additional fine dining opportunities
Review existing programs, resources, and services and recommend improvements to
increase competitive advantage and support goals
Explore creative economic development collaborations
Enhance commercial district through business recruitment and activities
ACTION STEPS
Complete minimum of one BRE visit a month with participation from EDA/HRA and Council
members (manufacturers and top employers) and distribute Business Finance Toolkit, Available
Sites, Community Profile, Energy City Brochure, Business Recycling Toolkit and other pertinent
information.
Promote available sites through exhibits at various expos (minimum 2x/yr.)
st
Utilize 171 FAST implementation plan to create a marketing piece for Nature’s Edge Business
Center and an annual redevelopment action plan to monitor progress of implementation
Partner with ERMU to identify applicable rebates for available city-owned property
1
Promote applicable incentives through direct mailings (minimum 3x/yr.)
Promote Elk River to the restaurant industry through website
(www.elkrivermn.gov/restaurants), direct mailings, Constant Contact email blasts and other
marketing venues
Partner with Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce to coordinate Chamber goals with economic
development goals through various implementation tasks
Utilizing economic development publications make contact with businesses looking to expand,
relocate, etc.
Review Micro Loan Program and recommend improvements to increase competitive advantage
and support goals
Partner with ECC and ERMU to explore a joint incentive to attract energy-related technology
businesses
Partner with local schools and manufacturers to hold quarterly meetings to encourage students
to explore a career in manufacturing through plant tours, youth apprenticeship programs,
energy city tours and programs, and job shadowing
Update a powerful website for the Elk River Economic Development Department and the
Housing and Redevelopment Authority. Provide analytic reports on a quarterly basis.
Demonstrate support for existing manufacturers and raise awareness regarding their impact on
the community through various promotional activities and tours during Minnesota
Manufacturers Week
Identify target industries (e.g. craft brewery, manufacturing and medical device, etc.) and create
specific marketing pieces to identify advantages and programs to assist in business recruitment
Host quarterly Manufacturers’ Connection events with local manufacturers to promote financial
incentives, resources and relevant topics to promote business retention and appreciation
Produce an energy conservation best-practices brochure to provide to businesses
Coordinate with Energy City to plan and market energy city events e.g. Energy City Business of
the Year
Partner with Energy City and the Streets Department and continue to promote proper disposal
of Fats, Oils and Grease through videos, flyers, emails, social media, and other media
Host and Promote a quarterly business rountable event with local business leaders and
community stakeholders.
Partner with the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce to hold annual event to promote
economic development resources and incentives (Juice Up Your Morning, Chamber luncheon,
Money Breakfast, etc.)
Continued contact and relationship development with Twin City commercial real estate
brokers/developers
2
REHABILITATION AND REDEVELOPMENT
Undertake strategies that facilitate rehabilitation and redevelopment of aging commercial, industrial
and residential areas to ensure private reinvestment and sustainability.
COMMERICAL/INDUSTRIAL STRATEGIES
Maintain a listing of available commercial /industrial sites
Promote available sites through various marketing initiatives
Identify and examine potential areas for revitalization
Review existing programs, resources, and services and recommend improvements to
increase our competitive advantage and support goals
Enhance downtown commercial district through business recruitment and people-
generating activities
Develop and implement a blighted properties program for both commercial and
residential properties
ACTION STEPS
Identify target areas for the blighted properties program
Partner with downtown business association and civic groups to promote existing and explore
new downtown activities (i.e. BNI, Chamber Connections, etc.).
Partner with Elk River Area Arts Alliance to explore funding concepts for an arts center within
the downtown study area
Create and distribute a survey to businesses to identify recommended improvements to existing
programs, resources and services, in addition to identifying preferred methods of
communication to improve Elk River business climate
Identify current property owners’ and businesses’ interest in redevelopment efforts both north
st
and south of HWY 10 and in 171 Focused Area Study area
Create a redevelopment policy regarding capitalizing the HRA development fund and identify
parameters for purchasing parcels
Create and distribute comprehensive business directory to promote downtown Elk River
Update short videos promoting available sites and applicable initiatives to distribute through
social media outlets, constant contact and website
3
RESIDENTIAL STRATEGIES
Maintain listing of vacant/foreclosed properties
Address housing gaps with Comprehensive Housing Market Study recommendations
Proactively review neighborhoods annually to ensure all home are properly maintained
through the code enforcement process
Seek and promote available programs to improve existing housing stock and incentivize
homeownership through CMHP
Provide educational opportunities regarding foreclosure prevention and housing
assistance programs by developing brochures/pamphlets
ACTION STEPS
Distribute MN Home Ownership Center foreclosure prevention, Energy City conservation
brochure, and Elk River Housing Toolkit information to local lenders, realtors, churches, non-
profits, builders, etc. (minimum 4x/yr.)
Partner with applicable non-profits (MNHOC, Tri-CAP, etc.) to hold educational events to
promote foreclosure prevention and housing programs (minimum 2x/yr.)
Continue to partner with the CMHP housing organization to fund and support a selective
housing removal and rebuilding program
Host an annual Realtors’ Day to educate realtors about the programs, processes and amenities
offered by the city
4
COMMUNITY BRAND
Utilize community brand strategies to effect necessary changes to strengthen and enhance community
image
STRATEGIES
Continue to implement and enhance marketing plan that reflects the Powered by
Nature brand, identifies desired target market(s), and complements other local efforts
to promote the community internally and externally
Maintain existing and build new community support for the Powered by Nature brand
Establish benchmarks for performance measurement
ACTION STEPS
Distribute window clings and larger windows signs of the logo
Promote the brand, engage residents, and distribute materials at expos (3x per year) and at
events such as Realtors’ Day, Leadership Elk River, and Manufacturers Connection
Create profiles on first-tier business owners in Salesforce – a tracking software used to record
information on local businesses and visits
Benchmark the impact of the Powered by Nature brand with data from Google Analytics and a
search engine optimization analysis.
Promote Public Art Installation and research opportunities to expand public art within the city.
5
TRANSPORTATION
Advocate and support proactive planning for improvements to the local and area transportation system
in a way that will support existing businesses and complement new economic growth.
STRATEGIES
Advocate regional and local transportation improvements
Encourage transportation improvements as part of redevelopment/development
opportunities
Support efforts to leverage local funds with state/federal resources
ACTION STEPS (submitted by City Engineer)
Increase contact with legislators for state highway transportation improvements
Complete low cost/high benefit enhancements to improve traffic flow through the existing
street intersections
Advocate for the continued use and expansion of Northstar commuter rail service.
st
Continue implementation of transportation improvements as detailed in the 171 Focused Area
Study
Assure all proposed development improvements are consistent with our local and regional
transportation plans.
Leverage State and Federal investment for mobility improvements to TH 169 and TH 10 with the
already spent local dollars for the planning of improvements to these sections.
Evaluate all available grant opportunities to determine if the local matching amounts are a cost
effective and feasible solution to support our objectives and strategies.
Promote the Quiet Zone, Northstar Commuter Train and Bike paths.
6
2019 BUDGET DETAIL SHEET
Dept:Economic Development Authority
Acct.2018 BUDGET2019 BUDGET
201520162017
Explanation/Detail of Supplies or Services
No.DetailTotalDetailTotal
ActualActualActual
PERSONAL SERVICES
4101Regular Pay69,31984,57189,87194,850
4103Part-time Pay13,57912,60012,60012,600
4104PERA5,4066,5356,8307,450
4105FICA4,6345,4485,7476,650
4107Medicare1,1361,3181,3901,550
4108Insurance8,62010,73511,69112,550
4109Workers Comp278398406500
4110Re-employment Comp
TOTAL PERSONAL SERVICES102,972121,605128,535136,150
SUPPLIES
Office Supplies3,6904,3101,307
42013,4002,100
Office supplies 1,5001,100
Computer Software/Licensing (MNCAR, Sketchup, etc.)1,9001,000
Fuels & Lubes18412045
4212400200
Unleaded gas400200
TOTAL SUPPLIES3,8744,4301,3523,8002,300
OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES
Legal Fees3888,9516,525
430411,0007,000
Misc.11,0007,000
Other Professional Services17,0002,000
4319
ED Strategic Plan
Telephone9119221,211
43211,0001,000
Cell phone reimb. (Colleen - $30/mo)400400
Cell phone w/hotspot (Amanda - $50/mo)600600
Postage250278302
4322300350
Marketing mailings300350
Conferences/Schools14,72918,63210,319
433112,85011,500
EDAM5001,300
Annual IEDC Conference2,700
Chamber Events250175
MREJ400375
MNCAR150
CMMA250100
SLUC -
Springsted400400
Ehlers200
Site Selector Conference2,5002,550
Economix Spring/Fall1,5003,000
Misc. training1,000200
MADCE - (Data Center Conference)3,0003,400
Advertising/Marketing78,10972,94569,286
434973,40071,850
Community Profiles1,5001,500
Advertising (Production & Publication)17,50022,450
Direct Mailings - Mfg Week1,500200
Business Retention & Expansion Visits -
Promo items10,0005,000
Special events2,5002,150
Sponsorships (City/EDA)11,00010,500
7/13/2018
Dept:Economic Development Authority
Acct.2018 BUDGET2019 BUDGET
201520162017
Explanation/Detail of Supplies or Services
No.DetailTotalDetailTotal
ActualActualActual
Catalyst2,4004,100
Trade Shows & Lead Generation (includes travel)16,00016,050
EDA Website (EDA share - 1/2 EDA & 1/2 HRA)5,7005,700
Lead Forensics (Shared by EDA/HRA)1,2001,200
Promotion & Awards1,1001,100
Powered by Nature sponsorships2,0001,600
Holiday card marketing1,000300
Publishing149258
4359350350
Public notices, etc350350
Insurance458763
4361100100
Insurance100100
Dues/Subscriptions2,5754,0624,083
44335,2004,550
EDAM 450500
Chamber480500
Constant Contact300
CMMA250250
MNCAR300300
IEDC 820700
Misc.300
Finance and Commerce300300
Rotary250250
MN Marketing Partnership700700
MAEDC300300
MPLS/ST Paul Business Journal300300
Greater MSP/Salesforce License450450
Miscellaneous11,88288,9004,776
444048,00048,000
Initiative Foundation3,0003,000
Wetland credit bank45,00045,000
TOTAL OTHER SERVICES & CHARGES126,038197,03596,565152,200144,700
TRANSFERS OUT
36,60038,000
Transfers - - 66,000
4720
General Fund32,00034,80034,800
472136,60038,000
TOTAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY264,884357,870327,252328,750185,000
7/13/2018