HRSR INFORMATION #1 01-05-2009
ver
MEMORANDUM
TO: Housing & Redevelopment Authority
FROM: Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic
DATE: January 5, 2009
Developme
SUBJECT: INFORMATION - HRA Executive Director's Report
Attachments
EDA Executive Director's Report, December 8, 2008.
Retail Trade Analysis Presentation Flyer
In an effort to keep the HRA informed of various Economic Development Division
activities that do not require action by the HRA, I will be providing an Executive Director's
report periodically throughout the year. A copy of the recent report provided to the EDA is
attached for your information on EDA-related activities that staff is undertaking in addition
to the HRA-related activities listed below. HRA Commissioners should feel free to bring up
any questions or issues for discussion under the "Other Business" section of the Agenda.
Housing Rehabilitation & Energy Efficiency Resources
Following a review of existing housing rehabilitation resources available to Elk River
residents through various regional agencies, in 2008 the HRA directed staff to partner with
the agencies to better market the programs to Elk River residents. Economic Development
Assistant Annie Deckert developed a Housing Rehabilitation Programs brochure that was
distributed throughout the community, on the city website, and city newsletter, in addition to
coverage in the Star News. The agencies provide updates to staff on the interest and usage
of the programs based on inquiries from Elk River residents.
The Center fox Energy & Environment recently reported since the October mailing of fliers
to 9,156 single-family homeowners in Elk River, the Centex has processed 4 applications.
Two were rejected (for reasons of bad credit/high debt) and two remain in process.
Foreclosure Prevention
In October 2008 the HRA heard a presentation from the MN Homeownership Center
regarding their mortgage counseling services available to Elk River residents. Information
HRA Executive Director's Report
HRA Meeting January 5, 2009
Page 2 of 2
about their services was added to the city website, cable TV announcement, and article in
Star News. Brochures and posters provided by the MN Homeownership Center will be
distributed throughout the community when received.
Jackson Place and Bluffs of Elk River
No new commercial tenants have been announced for either location at this time. Jackson
Place apartments remain completely occupied. The Bluffs condo units include 3 owner-
occupied units and 2 renter occupied units (to victims of Lion's Park Apt fire).
Neighborhood Stabilization Program (Foreclosure Recover Application
Economic Development Division staff has been working closely with the HRA's grant
writer, Heidi Peper of S.E.H. to complete the application by the January 28, 2009 deadline.
A majority of staff time has been spent researching, compiling and sorting foreclosure data
from the county sheriff s sales, historical data, current property listings, and surveying
properties for conditions. The City's Code Enforcement Officer Dave Hetrick has been
particularly helpful in this effort.
Retail Trade Analysis
In 2008 the EDA commissioned the U of M Extension service to conduct a Retail Trade
Analysis and work shop. The RTA report assists a community in evaluating the health of
their retail sectors by providing local sales data, comparisons with other communities, and
provides information to help assess strengths and opportunities for local businesses.
Economic Development Assistant Annie Deckert has coordinated a work shop with the Elk
River Chamber of Commerce to present the results of the study on Thursday, Jan. 22 from
gam-10:30am at City Hall. A flyer is attached for your information; please contact the
Chamber to RSVP by January 19~'.
Mississippi Connections Downtown Redevelopment Draft Plan
Community Development Director Jeff Gongoll will be revisiting this issue with the City
Council at its January 12, 2009 work session.
S:\EDA\HRA\AGENDA\Year2009\1.05.09 exec dir report.doc
fiver
MEMORANDUM
TO: Economic Development Authority
FROM: Catherine Mehelich, Director of Economic Development
DATE: December 8, 2008
SUBJECT: EDA Executive Director's Report
In an effort to keep the EDA informed of various Economic Development Division
activities that do not require action by the EDA, I will be providing an Executive Director's
report periodically throughout the year. EDA Commissioners should feel free to bring up
any questions or issues for discussion under the "Other Business" section of the Agenda.
Narthstar Rail
As you are aware, Community Development Director Jeff Gongoll is coordinating the 1715`
Ave Focused Area Study with Hoisington Koegler Group, with assistance by Planning
Manager Jeremy Barnhart. Attached is a copy of an article that appeared in the Star Tribune
Sunday, November 30, 2008 regarding developments along the Northstar Commuter Rail
line. Staff's conversations with employers over the years have indicated roughly 50% of
employees commute from the metro area. In order to maximize the benefits of the line
coming from the metro area to Elk River, Economic Development Division staff is drafting
a brief survey to gauge the ridership interest of Elk River's largest employers and assess any
obstacles for employees to make internal connections between the rail station and place of
work in Elk River.
Commercial/Industrial Property Inventory
Annie and I have been utilizing the new MetroMSP website www.metiomsp.or~ to post
available properties for sale or lease in Elk River. This link is available on the EDA's
webpage. A concern has been raised by a member of the EDA Marketing Committee
regarding the amount of vacant commercial/industrial lease space and a desire for a more
aggressive marketing campaign. We axe researching the issue and are awaiting the EDA's
appointment of the Marketing Committee at its Annual Business Meeting in January, as well
as the EDA's authorization for the committee to meet to discuss the issue.
EDA Executive Director's Report
EDA Meeting December 8, 2008
Page 2 of 2
Restaurant Marketing
As reported at the October EDA meeting, following the Retail Trade Analysis presentation
in January, Annie and I will focus on 10-15 restaurants to set up meetings and discuss the
RTA results and specific locations to increase their interest in the City.
Vacated Elk River Target Store
Community Development Director Jeff Gongoll has been in contact with the broker and
monitoring the status of any potential tenants for the vacated store.
Broker/Developer Marketing
Annie and I recently attended the 2"d Annual MN Commercial Association of Realtors
Expo. Staff was able to visit with several metro area brokers and share infarmation about
the anticipated land use plan and development opportunities for the 171ST Avenue focus area
and Gateway Business Park. Several developers indicated to staff a high level of interest in
keeping an eye on property in the northwest area and near the rail for future developments.
We will be maintaining contacts with these people as the focus area study nears completion.
Image/Marketing
We realize the Focus Area Study is a first step toward discussion on this item which is in
follow up to a few of the City Council's priority issues identified in the January 2008
planning workshops - "Image" and "Marketing for Commercial & Industrial Development".
Additional discussion and direction on the following items may be appropriate during the
anticipated joint Council, EDA and HRA workshops early in 2009 when the Strategic Plan
for Economic Development is developed:
1) Identify the city's desired "target market" for specific types of commercial and
industrial development.
2) Identify desired market focus/theme (e.g. Light Industrial Hub, Energy City, etc.)
3) Identify sites for commercial and industrial business park development to maintain a
sufficient inventory.
S:\EDA\AGENDA\Year2008\12.8.08 exec dir report.doc