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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11.24.14 EDA PacketAGENDA REGULAR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEETING November 24, 2014 6:30 PM Room 170 Todd Larson, Chair; Geraldine Jolley, Vice -Chair Douglas Bonar, Steve Wilson, Kirk Zeaman 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVE AGENDA 5. CITIZENS COMMENTS 6. CONSENT AGENDA (a) Meeting Minutes (10/27/14 Regular Meeting) (b) Monthly Statements 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 8. DISCUSSION ITEMS (a) Marketing Plan Update 9. DIRECTOR'S REPORT (a) November Director's Report 10. ADJOURN TO: FROM: SUBJECT: Meeting Minutes (10/27/14 Regular Meeting) DATE: November 24, 2014 INTRODUCTION/DISCUSSION City of Farmington 430 Third Street Farmington, Minnesota 651.280.6800 - Fax 651.280.6899 www.ci.farmington.mn.us Economic Development Authority ACTION REQUESTED ATTACHMENTS: Type o Backup Material Description October EDA Minutes MINUTES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY Regular Meeting October 27, 2014 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Larson at 6:30 p.m. Members Present: Larson, Jolley, Wilson, Zeaman Members Absent: Bonar Also Present: Adam Kienberger, Community Development Director; Tim Pitcher, Council Candidate; Dan Rider, Owner Farmington Billiards 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 3. ROLL CALL 4. APPROVE AGENDA MOTION by Wilson, second by Jolley to approve the Agenda. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 5. CITIZEN COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS — Dan Rider — 918 — 9th Street, Mr. Rider is the owner of Farmington Billiards and he is requesting consideration of financial assistance for improvements to the building he is occupying. He also asked about the status of the hotel project. 6. CONSENT AGENDA MOTION by Wilson, second by Jolley to approve the Consent Agenda as follows: a) Approved Meeting Minutes — September 22, 2014. b) Monthly Statements (September). APIF, MOTION CARRIED. 7. DISCUSSION ITEMS a) Tax Increment Financing Policy discussion — Director Kienberger indicated that the City of Farmington does not currently have a TIF policy and relies on its business subsidy policy for addressing questions regarding business assistance. Dakota County is moving forward with their revisions to the County's TIF policy at their December 16th meeting. Director Kienberger explained about the "but/for" philosophy and how City's opinion of using TIF for economic development differs from the County's. Dakota County does support TIF in certain instances, but not for economic development districts. Director Kienberger shared some of those with the Board. Mayor Larson indicated that he would be attendance at the County Board meeting along with several other mayors to express the desire for Dakota County to support economic development TIF. Director Kienberger also indicated that the city has a "dated" Business Subsidy policy. Discussion focused on how to utilize TIF and what other tools are available to promote economic EDA Minutes (Regular) October 27, 2014 Page 2 development in Farmington. Director Kienberger will come up with some dates to hold a special meeting and get back to the EDA board. Director Kienberger noted that he has been approached by a developer who has interest in a small apartment project. The developer is looking to do some affordable housing. There are several tools available: 1. Low Income Tax Credits, 2. The Hope Program (Dakota County CDA), and 3. Low Income Housing TIF. The concept calls for a 27 unit affordable housing apartment. Dakota County can create a housing TIF district and these districts last for up to 25 years. There was interest among the members to look into this further and perhaps meet with the Planning Commission and Council for discussion. The property that is being considered is located on the north side of Elm Street, between 3rd St & 4th Street (Heinen vacant property). b) Marketing Plan Update — Director Kienberger updated the EDA on the activities since the last meeting. 8. DIRECTOR'S REPORT — October Report — Director Kienberger updated the EDA on the following: • Edward Jones is moving offices within the downtown area • Papa Murphy's is in for permits at Tamarack Ridge Shopping Center • El Charro Mexican Restaurant is progressing • The Farmington Outlet store is reopening as Overstock Outlet • Valmont expansion is nearing completion and should be done in about a month • Farmington Mini Storage expansion is near completion 9. ADJOURN MOTION by Wilson, second by Zeaman to adjourn at 8:18 p.m. APIF, MOTION CARRIED. Respectfully submitted, Sue Miller Administrative Assistant 4,-94 City of Farmington TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: 430 Third Street Farmington, Minnesota 651.280.6800 - Fax 651.280.6899 www.ci.farmington.mn.us Economic Development Authority Adam Kienberger, Community Development Director Monthly Statements November 24, 2014 INTRODUCTION/DISCUSSION Please find attached the monthly EDA bills from October 27 - November 23. ACTION REQUESTED ATTACHMENTS: Type n Cover Memo Description EDA Monthly Statements 11/20/201411:45:09 CITY OF FARMINGTON Council Check Summary Note: Check Amount may not reflect actaul check total due to sequence of data Co Dept Div BU Description Subledger Account Description HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 02000 03 TRAINING & SUBSISTANCE O N O COD O z c O z O 0 Supplier / Explanation 132858 OCT'14 EXP OCT14 EDATRNG MEAL REIMB N O REIMBRSMNT N O r 100253 CAMPBELL KNUTSON 130234 11/2112014 HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 02000 03 132885 1852G -000 OCT'14 2000 6403 OCT EDA LEGAL SRVS 0 0 TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: City of Farmington 430 Third Street Farmington, Minnesota 651.280.6800 - Fax 651.280.6899 www.ci.farmington.mn.us Economic Development Authority Adam Kienberger, Community Development Director Marketing Plan Update November 24, 2014 INTRODUCTION/DISCUSSION As noted at our monthly meetings, below is an update on the status of several components of the Marketing Plan. Also included is a schedule of activities identified to be completed over the next several months. There were four primary goals included in that Plan: 1. Deepen relationships with Farmington business owners through an aggressive Business Retention and Expansion (BR &E) program. 2. Get closer to land owner /developers in order to be better prepared for industrial development in the City. 3. Get connected to site selectors and business owners who conduct site searches in the area. 4. Get smarter about the industry through active participation in industry associations like Economic Development Association of Minnesota (EDAM) and Minnesota Commercial Association of Realtors (MNCAR). Below is an update on a few key initiatives underway: • Staff actively participates in Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce events and strives to maintain a level of high visibility throughout the community. I recently attended the DCR Chamber's 2014 Business Excellence Awards program in Eagan where Dakota Electric was recognized with the 2014 Community Leadership Award. I sent this information to our communications department to publicly recognize them via Facebook and Twitter. This is a new goal of mine as we spread our messaging outward — please let me know of other local businesses that receive recognition so that we can publicly acknowledge /thank them as appropriate. • Staff attended the 2014 MNCAR Expo in Minneapolis on October 29th. This is just one of many events staff attends to further our active participation in related industry associations. I will be attending the Minnesota Real Estate Journal Economic Development Summit on November 25th in Golden Valley. • Staff continues to meet with local land owners and explore ideas for future development. This was also recently discussed with the Farmington School District at a meeting held earlier this month. • BR &E Subcommittee — Several invitations for business visits have been extended. Indirect invitations are being included in the quarterly City newsletter along with text in the 2015 Community Calendar. Staff will continue to target key businesses for visits. • Grant Opportunities — Staff is exploring the CDA's Redevelopment Incentive Grant (RIG) program criteria and will be recommending an application for a B -2 Downtown Business District Planning Study later this year. The CDA recently released the 2015 RIG program application with a due date of January 15th One topic I would like to explore in greater detail with the EDA is our website. While the City will be redoing the entire site in 2015, this is a good opportunity for us to review our web presence and identify changes or new ideas. I will have an example to facilitate some ideas at the meeting. Please find attached some information on our key messages along with a more detailed 2014 -2015 Marketing Work Plan as we look ahead at ways staff will be working to actively promote economic development in Farmington. ACTION REQUESTED None, the above is meant to serve as a monthly update of the Marketing Plan. ATTACHMENTS: Type o Backup Material Description Marketing Plan Attachments City of Farmington • Economic Development • Marketing Plan Executive Summary Farmington seeks to implement a more aggressive marketing plan for its Economic Development effort. What follows is a plan that concentrates on Business Retention and Expansion, Product Readiness activities in anticipation of New Business Recruitment and Attraction, the recruitment and attraction itself and on -going education and involvement in the economic and development industry. It's recommended Farmington spend 2014 focusing mostly inwardly, ensuring local businesses are committed to the City and when considering expansion, will make Farmington their #1 choice. The widely quoted study Job Creation in America (Birch, 1987) reported that nationwide, up to 80 percent of net new job growth comes from existing businesses. Our best opportunities are likely found in our own backyard. Farmington desires industrial development, but available land is either limited or Tacks sufficient infrastructure to be as attractive to site selectors /developers as land available elsewhere. While 2014's marketing efforts will engage land owners and developers in 'what's possible' discussions, the City must concurrently consider what kind of resource commitments it may have to make to consummate big economic development deals. This plan also calls for on -going contact with those who could consider Farmington for site selection. It's crucial we grow our database of contacts so when opportunities are presented, Farmington gets proper consideration. A budget estimate is attached. In addition to time for which we may be retained for creative services and consultation, Nemer Fieger will also commit 40 hours of pro bono time to ensure this plan is implemented. As has been discussed at recent EDA meetings, land availability and good intentions are not enough. You can have the best approach in the world, but if they don't like you, they won't work with you. Farmington must endeavor to be liked. Prepared by Nemer Fieger • December 16, 2013 Page 2 EDA Marketing Work Plan 2014 -2015 Excerpt from Marketing Plan Executive Summary: "... land availability and good intentions are not enough. You can have the best approach in the world, but if they don't like you, they won't work with you. Farmington must endeavor to be liked. " Key Priorities • Deepen relationships with Farmington business owners through an aggressive Business Retention and Expansion (BR &E) program. • Get closer to land owner /developers in order to be better prepared for industrial development in the City. • Get connected to site selectors and business owners who conduct site searches in the area. • Get smarter about the industry through active participation in industry associations like Economic Development Association of Minnesota (EDAM) and Minnesota Commercial Association of Realtors (MNCAR). Below is a revised calendar of work plan items through Quarter 1 of 2015 for the ongoing implementation of the Marketing Plan. November • Minnesota Real Estate Journal Annual Industrial Real Estate & Economic Development Conference — Golden Valley o November 25th November/December • Establish key messages o Begin to develop collateral utilizing key messages • "Under Development" concept • Develop photo repository • Design two new banners • Develop a clean, simple brochure utilizing brand concept that incorporates key demographic data and highlights our key messages • EDA business cards with staff contact information December • Minnesota Marketing Partners Quarterly Meeting/Annual Report • Outline RFP for a B -2 Downtown Business District Planning Study January • CDA RIG application due January 15th • City Council EDA Annual Report • EDAM Winter Conference • Farmington Expo February • Discuss EDA CIP — long -term goals • Ehlers Finance /TIF Seminar March • Minnesota Marketing Partners Quarterly Meeting Ongoing • Monthly EDAM Board meetings — statewide leadership role • Open To Business program — small business financing specialists and technical assistance • Increased engagement with existing communications /social media tools • Continued engagement with local property owners and building owners • Ribbon Cuttings /new business welcome • Monthly Farmington Coffee Breaks — DCR Chamber • FBA involvement • DEED Minnesota Marketing Partners opportunities • MNCAR broker activities and Xceligent property data • EDAM professional events and seminars • Bi- monthly meetings with local commercial brokers /property owners • 2015 Website overhaul (City -wide) • Daily collaboration with planning /inspections staff • Additional opportunities as they arise Key Messages for Farmington Economic Development "Under Development" theme /brand: • Active connotation • Progressive • Work in progress, but moving forward Key messages: • Farmington in business - friendly (easy to work with) • Farmington cares and will help you grow your business (compassionate and knowledgeable of resources) • Professional staff to facilitate the process and assist you in meeting your goals (customer- focused) • Hometown feel (differentiator from other suburban communities) TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: City of Farmington 430 Third Street Farmington, Minnesota 651.280.6800 - Fax 651.280.6899 www.ci.farmington.mn.us Economic Development Authority Adam Kienberger, Community Development Director November Director's Report November 24, 2014 INTRODUCTION/DISCUSSION Building Permit Reports Please find attached the monthly building permit report provided by the Planning Manager: As of November 20th a total of 86 permits for new residential housing have been issued. The number of permits for new residential construction is down from last year where at the end of November 2013 a total of 117 permits had been issued. At the current rate at which permits are being received and issued I would estimate that we will likely issue just under 100 permits for new residential construction this year. Metropolitan Council Economic Competitiveness The Metropolitan Council is engaging in providing data to cities to help them better prepare for economic development and analysis. The goal is to facilitate the inclusion of more economic development strategies within cities' comprehensive plans. A summary of frequently asked questions is attached from a meeting I recently attended. Dakota County TIF Policy Dakota County is planning to discuss the County TIF policy at their December 16th Board meeting. Several Mayors and elected officials will be present at the Board meeting to lobby for the inclusion of economic development TIF within the policy. A recent article from the Sun Thisweek newspaper is attached. Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Congratulations to Dakota Electric Association for receiving the 2014 Community Leadership Award and to 360 Communities on the Business Excellence Award for Non Profit of the Year as a part of the 2014 Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards program. 2014 MNCAR Expo I attended the annual MNCAR Expo in Minneapolis on October 29th. Nearly 500 commercial brokers and related partners were in attendance. This continues to be a key focus of our marketing strategy as I explore additional ways to build and expand relationships with the commercial broker community. Miscellaneous Articles Attached is an article from the Star Tribune which discusses Minnesota's regional affiliation in the United States. While not directly related to our efforts in Farmington, it is an interesting perspective to consider as we further our own local marketing efforts. ACTION REQUESTED None, this report is intended to be a monthly update on various development and industry related topics. ATTACHMENTS: Type o Backup Material Description Director's Report Attachments Residential Building Permits - City of Farmington ' rvNr NO(ON(4)'4 0 m N- N CO N 0) N- N co r co co N (0 O N N N N N CO N N CO M N N M 0 O 2 er O M O N N 0 O N O N O 0 O N O O O N cO 0 O N O O N CO O O N N 0 O N 0 O N M O O N N O O N O O N r` NT N O) CO O 0101 (ON T- ✓ r r M N 0) Cr (0 N N r r 0) OD OD M N N 'O CO O (O r O CO N cr Y N d'a --Nrr( c- T-T— d' cr O O 0 CV CO CO O 0)(0 M O 010101c- 04 O r c- No- r !) MMr c -c N MNN �OONN 0st c- c- N0NNOtN CO cr V 0 Q7 CO M M cr Q7 W N (00 CO r V 0) N N h CO O M Or O (0 (Or M(C)NNNMrct (Ocr(()cr c- NNOcrO��MNMN N N CO O d cr 0) O ct r O 0) N N N O N o C S] � C A C T 0) a. 0> U@ - i :Q -' )iQ(nOZOF -- C:1 Users\ akienberger \AppData \Local\Microsoft \Windows \Temporary Internet Files \Content Outlook \RVZTOXEJ \Building Permit Comparison current(use this one) 0) .0 O 0 0 1 .0 E 0) 0. y O a 0) Of T 2 0. t N 2 (0 as 2 c CO 3 LL' O V to a ca E V h O t() CO to to d' OD 10 Yrt 0cV (O Mv((! (06NONc- a— ONOp • c ) (0 r ()N (t7 0 00 CO (- 0) I- CO N N N O N h 0) d' h O CO 0) CO r0 0)'ct (() (0 CV c- r r r r CO ((00 c0 W 00) V' OD 0) (0 (000)00) (0 -(0 N (0d"d'r r r r r r OO r N r CO CO (O N O 0) OD N r 0 CO (Nvm t(00)O(OCV Tr (nn0)000 CO CD (((0 N OU) ) 00 0 (Mn r 00i v N. 0 v op r- T N co 0) r r r r r 0) V) h T 0 (A 0) 00 [Y r (() O 0) O N P- N M M co OD V 0 0) CO no O M f- no 04 h(0N0)rOroO0)rtirNN h 0) N ((V (0 r N 0) N r OD 0) 0) (() (() Wr0N (COO ▪ CO 1 O t '0) r r (V N r r 0) 0)( CV (1) r.. 0d ' ON) � T- V- CO rV co M N V-. r . N ,- ('1 r CA O N N O n O00 N V 0) (-r0 CO O0 N c0-3' 07r1- N .f c00 4)(Op h (N CD l0(O N n CA Mm T r Or) O N st 0)0) T 0) r (0 CV (0O O I-. N 0) ' V' (0 (O I,, 00 0) O e- N M ' V' O 0 0 O O 0 O O O O r r r r T N N N 0 N N N N 0 0 N N N N N v N a (0 T (0 0) T C:\ Users\ akienberger WppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows \Temporary Internet Files\ Content .Outlook \RVZTOXEJ \Building Permit Comparison current(use this one) SunThisweek 1 Lakeville officials oppose county TIF policy change http: / /sunthisweek.com /2014 /11 /13 /lakeville- officials- oppose - county... sunthisweek.com http: / / sunthisweek.com / 2014 /11 /13 /Lakeville- officials- oppose- county -tif- policy - change/ Lakeville officials oppose county TIF policy change By Laura Adelmann Competition for business key to battle November 13, 2014 at 10:22 am Lakeville leaders are rallying local officials to oppose a proposed Dakota County policy change they say could put cities at a disadvantage in attracting or retaining commercial businesses. Dakota County is set to change its policy eliminating job creation as a platform to support tax increment financing. Under such a change, the county's policy would only support TIF for affordable housing projects, not business expansion or development. TIF is a financial agreement to encourage development of properties that without it would otherwise not occur. It allows developers to use the increased property value created by property improvements to fund project costs instead of going to schools, cities and the county, for a set time period. If the policy change is approved, it will counter Lakeville's goals in regard to the creation living -wage jobs, Lakeville Community Development Director Dave Olson said. "That's our goal," Olson said. "That's the policy I operate under, and the Economic Development Commission has recommended we look to facilitate that, to make that happen." He said while Dakota County's proposed policy change cannot stop cities from using TIF for economic development projects, having opposing policies sends businesses a mixed message. "It would be nice if we were working together on economic development," Olson said. Dakota County Administrator Brandt Richardson indicated concern that using TIF for economic development favors some businesses over others and increases taxes. "Our county has long held the point of view that we can best contribute to the economic success of all businesses in Dakota County by providing excellent services at a very low tax rate, rather than choosing certain businesses to subsidize," he said in an email. Richardson said Dakota County is attractive to business because it has the lowest county taxes in the Twin Cities metro area. "Many of our services are essential for businesses," Richardson said. "For example, our county road system 'stands in' for a Tess- developed state highway system in our county, and the county levy is increasingly important in funding this essential need for our business community. We believe our low county taxes overall are an advantage that at least some other counties do not provide." Richardson said using TIF for affordable housing assists a low- income household instead of assisting a private business that is competing with other businesses that may or may not have the benefit of a public subsidy. 1 of 4 11/13/2014 2:40 PM SunThisweek I Lakeville officials oppose county TIF policy change http: / /sunthisweek.com/ 2014 /11 /13/lakeville- officials- oppose - county... Lakeville Mayor Matt Little and Lakeville Chamber of Commerce President Tim Roche are teaming up to advocate for the county to support TIF as a job- creation tool. They plan to appear before the Dakota County Board of Commissioners in December to discourage the proposed TIF policy change. Little said economic development TIF districts provide employment for some of those low- income people living in the subsidized housing. He added that every business has the same opportunity to take advantage of TIF. Dakota County Commissioner-elect Mary Liz Holberg said she supports the city's position to keep job creation as a reason for TIF. "By only supporting affordable housing, you're only supporting one side of the equation," Holberg said. "How do we ever get people out of subsidized housing if we don't support job creation ?" Little said he also supports TIF for businesses because it helps Dakota County compete to attract and retain businesses and expansions against neighboring cities, particularly in Scott County, which has fully embraced TIF as a driver of its economic development goals. Scott County Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Communications Director Jim Pumarlo called Scott County "an island" among Minnesota counties for its embrace of the program. Scott established a "First Stop Shop," in 2013 to carry out a shared local goal of government leaders to create enough jobs in the county by 2030 to employ half its local labor force to help reduce congestion on roads going north over the river. The effort is supported by SCALE, the Scott County Association for Leadership and Efficiency, an organization made of all Scott County government leaders, including its seven cities, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Scott County Community Economic Agency and local school districts that include Burnsville- Eagan- Savage. First Stop Shop Business Development Manager Stacy Crakes said she assists the cities in economic development, marketing the county to brokers with business clients seeking locations and responding quickly with information and service when businesses express interest. Crakes said the program has helped to attract 5,000 new direct jobs or spin -off jobs over the last two years from companies who announced they were coming to Scott County. "We're finally getting to the point where some of them are actually starting to move in, buildings are getting completed and hiring has started," Crakes said. New businesses include Shutterfly, Emerson and Data Card. Crakes said some of their initial discussions with those businesses included whether local government was willing to "at least discuss" financial incentives with them. "I think the fact that the county and the cities have said yes, regardless of whether it ended up happening, still showed that there's interest here in working with the businesses and trying to do what it is they need to have done to bring that here," Crakes said. "I think that just those conversations have been instrumental in 2 of 4 11/13/2014 2:40 PM SunThisweek J Lakeville officials oppose county TIF policy change getting some of those businesses to come to our area." Other views http: / /sunthisweek. com/2014/ 11 / 13 /lakeville- officials- oppose - county... Business advocates in Dakota County express more caution about using TIF as a tool for spurring commercial development. Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce President Vicki Stute said the business community most often supports economic polices driven by the private market and "not necessarily government subsidies." She said they want to ensure a level playing field for all businesses. "I can't imagine supporting subsidy where one business gets it and another does not," she said. "There has to be some very special circumstances." Stute said special cases could include development of polluted properties where substantial cleanup is required before development can occur. In 2011, author Randal O'Toole, a Cato Institute public policy analyst, released a paper critical of tax increment financing. He said after freezing the amount new development pays in taxes — not how much governments collect — other taxpayers either have to pay more to cover costs the new developments create or accept lower service levels for the years TIF is in place. O'Toole, who has spoken in the Twin Cities several times regarding economic and transportation issues, also cited the potential for political abuse surrounding TIF. "No matter how well intentioned, city officials will always be tempted to use TIF as a vehicle for crony capitalism, providing subsidies to developers who in turn provide campaign funds to politicians," O'Toole said. Lakeville concerns Before Dakota County has changed its policy to exclude job creation as a reason to support TIF, the county issued resolutions against TIF districts recently established in Lakeville. Holberg questioned why the county would give a negative recommendation on the Lakeville projects before the policy was changed. "We don't want to leave Dakota County cities uncompetitive with cities in other counties," Holberg said. The Lakeville City Council members approved two economic development TIF districts, including one for $1.08 million for a 200,000- square -foot building expansion to accommodate BTD Manufacturing. Once complete, the building will be over 500,000 square feet, and become the largest single building in Airlake Industrial Park, according to Olson. BTD's expansion is promised to add jobs that pay between $14 and $30 per hour. While the projects enjoyed full council support, several members said they want use the TIF tool with constraint. City Council Member Colleen LaBeau, a real estate business owner, said she has never taken TIF and looks for some of the projects to "stand on their own." 3 of 4 11/13/2014 2:40 PM SunThisweek !Lakeville officials oppose county TIF policy change http: / /sunthisweek.com /2014 /11 /13 /lakeville- officials- oppose - county.., "I look at TIF as an opportunity to keep and maintain an existing business, and to be able to expand for someone who is already invested in Lakeville," LaBeau said. "I don't know that having new business that comes in we have to look at it being a TIF opportunity by all means." LaBeau cited concerns at giving TIF for new businesses because it does not generate tax dollars but increases city services. "I'm not saying I'm totally against it," LaBeau said. "What I'm saying is, I don't believe it's for every new project." Council Member Bart Davis called TIF a "viable option," and an "effective tool," but said the city has to be "judicious" in how TIF is used. "You have to make sure you understand the impacts of TIF on all appropriate parties," Davis said. He said he considers each project individually, using criteria that includes jobs created, development goals and if it makes sense at the given time. "With Scott County using it aggressively, I don't know that it's a bad thing," Davis said. "But I think using too much TIF, I don't understand the total impacts of that yet to say whether they're right or they're wrong." Davis said Dakota County has taken a pretty hard stance against TIF for economic development, and while he does not believe the county has to whole - heartedly embrace it, he would like them to have more consideration on using it for certain projects. "I do think it's a very effective tool to spur development, especially economic development," Davis said. He said if Dakota County takes a stance against TIF, it could put the county and Lakeville in a somewhat contentious situation. "From the couple (TIF) projects we've moved through lately, honestly, it's what we feel is best for Lakeville, and we're going to do what's best for Lakeville," Davis said. "We hope Dakota County gets on board with us and supports us. But at the end of the day, while we do look at what's the greater good for Dakota County, we have to first and foremost take care of Lakeville." 4 of 4 11/13/2014 2:40 PM ECONOMIC COMPETITIVENESS AND THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL'S RESEARCH, INFORMATION, AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROJECT (RITA) Frequently Asked Questions Regional economic competition in a global economy 1) What is "regional economic competitiveness ?" Regional economic competitiveness refers to the ability of a region to compete effectively and prosper in the global economy. 2) How does our region support economic competitiveness? Our region supports economic competitiveness in three dynamic, interrelated ways: • Economic development - Retaining, attracting, or growing businesses that bring wealth into the region, or enable the region to reduce its reliance on imports from elsewhere • Community development - Infrastructure, services, and amenities that support businesses and residents, serve as a critical foundation to attract and retain talent, and support a strong economy • Workforce development - Initiatives to train, educate, retain, and attract a talented workforce 3) What organizations help to ensure that the Twin Cities region competes well in the global economy? Many organizations play a role, and partnerships among them are essential. Here are major players: • Economic development - GREATER MSP (the region's economic development partnership), economic development authorities, cities, port authorities, industry associations, Minnesota Department of Economic Development (DEED), nonprofits, counties, chambers, businesses • Community development - Cities, counties, townships, community development agencies, housing and redevelopment authorities, Metropolitan Council, DEED, chambers of commerce, utilities, airports, railroads, nonprofits, foundations, etc. • Workforce development - Educational institutions, DEED, county and city workforce organizations, businesses, trade unions, industry associations, foundations, nonprofits, chambers 4) What is the Council's role in economic competitiveness? The Council has two key roles in economic competitiveness. The first is the Council's historic role in community development, which focuses on infrastructure, services, and quality of life amenities that attract and support companies and residents. Our responsibilities include: wastewater collection and treatment operations; highway planning; transit planning and operation; water supply and quality planning; regional parks and trails planning and funding; land use planning; and funding support for Livable Communities projects. The second is the Council's role in research and analysis of data that has long served as the foundation for planning and development throughout the region. We research and analyze data related to regional demographics, land use and development, housing, construction activity, and the economy and employment. 390 Robert Street North I Saint Paul, MN 55101 -1805 R 651.602.1000 1 TTY. 651.291.0904 1 metrocouncil.org An Equal Opportunity. Employer METROPOLITAN C O U N C I L Research, Information, and Technical Assistance Project (RITA) 5) What is RITA? Starting in 2015, the Council will make additional economic information and technical assistance available to local governments. We call this effort the Research, Information, and Technical Assistance Project (RITA). The goal is to provide communities more insight into what drives the region's economy and their local economy. Communities may elect to incorporate this information into local comprehensive plans. 6) What kinds of data will RITA produce? The Council will develop information and /or tools to help local governments identify and analyze: • The geographic distribution of businesses that drive the regional economy. • The real estate requirements of these economic drivers. • Sites for economic growth. • Our region's freight and distribution system and connections to the global economy. • The geography of the workforce and access to jobs. We will work with our partners, such as DEED, the University of Minnesota, MnSCU, GREATER MSP, and others to produce this information. We will also provide technical assistance for communities who seek advice on how to apply these re- sources to their local planning and development activities. 7) What is the timetable for RITA? The Council will make research and information tools available in 2015, This will enable communities to use the tools as they begin comprehensive plan updates in 2016. Stakeholder input and the need, in some cases, for help from collaborating partners will shape the delivery schedule of individual tools. 8) How will RITA help economic competitiveness? The Council believes that decision makers who guide local comprehensive plans will strengthen the competitiveness of our region if they gain more information about the regional economy, the economic drivers in their community, and the needs and challenges of their employers. We need to work together locally and regionally to plan for and provide competitive sites for economic growth, infrastructure, and the amenities needed to attract, retain, and grow businesses and a talented workforce. In a time of tight local budgets, we want to ensure that all cities and counties in the region have access to this information. 9) Does RITA go beyond the Council's established mission? No The historic, statutory role of the Council is to be a vital contributor to the region's economic competitiveness (Minn. Stat. 473.173). In partnership with local governments, our long -range planning and investment activities support the efficient movement of people and freight, the efficient treatment of wastewater, a quality of life to attract and retain talent, a consistent framework for land use planning, and access to employment locations. 10) How will the Met Council communicate about its economic competitiveness work and who can I contact for more information? For partners that continue to express interest, Council RITA staff will hold periodic meetings and send information via e-mail. For a broader audience, the Council's website and newsletter will periodically . contain information about the latest RITA work. The Council always welcomes opportunities to discuss this work directly with interested partners. Requests should be sent to Mark VanderSchaaf at 651 -602- 1441 or mark .vanderschaaf@metc.state.mn.us. The role of local governments in RITA 11) What voice did local governments have in developing RITA? During 2014, the Council held a series of workshops with counties and communities in the seven - county metropolitan area. We introduced the concept of integrating economic competitiveness into the comprehensive planning process. Participants gave feedback on research and information tools that would be most helpful to them. Based on this feedback, the Council identified the tools above (Q6). 12) Will local communities be required to address economic development in their comprehensive plan updates? No. The Council will simply provide more economic research, information, and technical assistance to support communities that choose to integrate deeper consideration of the economy, transportation, transit, sites for economic growth, and workforce into their comprehensive plans. 13) What are potential local and county roles in this project? Counties and communities across the region each have different challenges, opportunities, and priorities at any given point in time. Participation in this project is completely voluntary. And for those counties and communities that choose to participate, the Council expects that the level of engagement will vary. The following are provided as examples to help illustrate a range of potential roles. Minimal engagement Local governments review economic, workforce & real estate research Some involved individually Collaborative effort focused on comprehensive plans J � Local governments access Met Council planning assistance to enhance comprehensive plans J County collaborates with local governments & other partners; integrating competitive -ness into comp plans Collaborative effort also includes local economic development strategy County partners with local governments & others to work on comprehensive plans and an economic development strategy The connection between Thrive MSP 2040, economic competitiveness, and RITA 14) What's new about the Council's emphasis on economic competitiveness? The Council has always made economic competitiveness a priority. However, its emphasis on economic competitiveness has been heightened in recent years due to trends in the last decade. Relative to many other metro areas, the Twin Cities regional economy underperformed during the 2000- 2010 decade. As a result, a consensus emerged among regional leadership that the region needs a strong collaborative effort to advance our economy in the future. To support this effort, the Council elevated prosperity as one of five key regional outcomes in its current development guide, Thrive MSP 2040. In Thrive, we made a number of commitments, including: • Collaborate with regional partners to develop a shared vision and strategic priorities to advance regional economic competitiveness. • Grow our partnership with cities, counties, GREATER MSP, and other partners in economic competitiveness. • Leverage our research and analysis function to examine and analyze the land use and infrastructure needs of the region's leading industry clusters. This work will inform city and county discussions about land use strategies that support economic development. 15) A lot of discussion is occurring in this region about the importance of integrating economic competitive- ness with equity. How will the RITA project address this issue? The Council agrees that in the 21st century, economic competitiveness and equity go .hand in hand. The RITA project will be designed to support a variety of efforts to ensure that the region's economic competitiveness work improves access to economic opportunity for all residents. In particular, the Council will: • Identify industry sectors and sector - related occupations that provide career ladders for populations with lower income and educational attainment. • Identify occupations that offer living wage and benefit opportunities. • Analyze the locations of jobs with career ladders and living wages in relationship to areas of concentrated poverty and racially concentrated areas of poverty. 16) Thrive says something about discouraging the conversion of industrial land to other uses. Will this be a requirement in local comprehensive plans? No The Council encourages the preservation and development of well -sited industrial land, but does not require it. We will provide information on the site location requirements of the region's economic drivers, our region's connections to the global economy, workforce, living wage jobs, transportation, and other economic factors. This will put local officials in a position to make better informed choices about how they might affect the region's economic vitality as well as their community's economy. The Council recognizes that all development decisions involve tradeoffs. We acknowledge that sometimes land uses such as recreation and housing are appropriate in areas such as riverfronts. The new emphasis on industrial land is designed to ensure that more factors are taken into account when development decisions are considered. METROPOLITAN StarTribune - Print Page * StarTribune Does Minnesota's region have an identity crisis? Article by: Kim Ode Star Tribune November 17, 2014 - 4:46 PM Here's the question on the table: Is Minnesota part of the Midwest? However, because Minnesotans are posing this question, that's not really what's being asked. Couched amid concerns about geographic legitimacy, cultural identity and economic vitality, the real question is: How can we sound more cool? "Midwest? The Past, Present and Future of Minnesota's Identity" is the focus of a free and public discussion Wednesday night at the Walker Art Center. A panel of academics, artists and marketers will poke around at our historical identity, considering whether its foundations are sound, or if we might be better off positioning Minnesota (and any neighboring states that want to come with) as part of a new region. "Anybody that's paying attention should be talking about this," said panelist Thomas Fisher, dean of the College of Design at the University of Minnesota. We should stop being embarrassed about being in a cold climate. It's a huge strength of ours. http://www.startribune.com/printarticle/?id=282970391 There should be a region in this country called North! Eddie Thomas, If you go: Forum on Midwest Identity ! f What: "Midwest? The Past, Present, and Future of Minnesota's Identity" panel discussion. I, When: 6 p.m. Wed. (social hour at 5 p.m.). Ia' Where: Walker Cinema, Walker Art Center, Mpls. Details: Free, but seating Is on a first -come basis. "In places where there's adversity, it tends to fuel innovation because it just takes more to thrive," he added. "There's a'North' culture here, and we should claim that." Or in marketing parlance, brand that. Andrew Blauvelt is senior curator of architecture and design at the Walker, and also on the panel. He knows that "branding" rubs some people wrong, sounding all craven and commercial. "It's a sticky wicket" he said. But what's interesting to me is the notion of branding extended to the idea of governments and nations and cities." Tourism campaigns strive to set states apart from each other, but Blauvelt said such efforts often blur — you know, "Discover ... fill in the blank." So what if people thought less about states and more about regions? And what if our region was less vague, less vast, less Midwestern? What happened to North? Eric Dayton has a dream: A CNN weather guy gestures across the national map and refers to "the weather in the North." "The United States doesn't have a 'North, — Dayton said. We have an East, and a South and a West, and then this nebulous place called the Midwest. You kind of scratch your head." Dayton and his brother, Andrew, are businessmen who've made a point of giving their enterprises a local flavor. The Bachelor Farmer restaurant evokes reticent Norwegian immigrants wed to their fields. Their Askov Finlayson clothing store is named for the highway exit to the family cabin. It's also co- presenting Wednesday's panel. The idea of ditching "Midwest" came while Dayton was touring Scandinavia with the restaurant's chef. "I was struck by how strong and proud the northern identity of that region is," he said. "Why doesn't America have a North ?" To test the notion of a Northern identity, he tapped a company in Cloquet, Minn., to make stocking hats that said "North." Every run sold out. After 2,000 hats, Dayton decided, "Maybe there is this camaraderie of people who live in northern climates. I mean, it was interesting how little explanation this idea required." He takes pains to note that this identity movement isn't a ploy to sell merchandise. "We're not trying to become the campus store for the North," he said dryly. "We want to protect the idea, not commercialize it." What's in a name? Minnesota wasn't always Midwestern. In the nation's early days, northern Minnesota was in the Northwest Territories, while 1 of 2 11/20/2014 11:32 AM StarTribune - Print Page http:// www. startribune .com/printarticle / ?id= 282970391 the rest of the state was part of the Louisiana Territory. When Oregon and Washington became states — essentially creating more Northwest — a vast swath of geography from the Rocky Mountains to Ohio's eastern boundary was renamed the Midwest. To some, vast isn't working anymore — if it ever did. Fisher grew up in Ohio and Blauvelt in Indiana. Both say they were born in the Midwest. Yet neither considered Minnesota under that umbrella. "Most people on the coasts think of the Midwest as cornfields stretching to the horizon, and while that's a part of Minnesota, a big part is the North Woods and the lakes," Fisher said. "We're much more diverse than Nebraska, Iowa and Illinois, states that are the breadbasket of the country." Garrison Keillor's Lake Wobegon is high - profile, yet can sound awfully rustic when it comes to enticing young, smart, talented people to the region. (OK, Fisher used the words "slightly hick. ") "Having a cabin by a lake is, for many people, especially millennials, not all that appealing," he said. "They're looking for an urban life that has a lot of activity, variety, diversity. This is about claiming the Twin Cities as the capital of the North, just as Boston is capital of the Northeast and Seattle is capital of the Northwest. Let Chicago take the Midwest." Fisher and Dayton like the term "North," but said the forum may elicit other ideas. Northland? Wobegonia? Heartland? Maybe a more visceral riff on our state motto, like L'Etoile du Froid? Midwest defenders may emerge, but Blauvelt is hoping for something more evocative. "All brands want to be perceived as authentic, and heritage brands are really important here," he said, reeling off products such as Duluth Pack bags, Red Wing shoes, Faribault blankets. "There's an authenticity, something true here, a historical component that is hot now." Creatives attract creatives Lest anyone regard the forum as one of those invented events to get us through winter, regionality is a big topic among urban planners. Leading the talk is Richard Florida, a business professor at the University of Toronto and urban theorist who founded a think tank, the Creative Class Group. Florida contends that the most dynamic regions have urban centers that attract a creative class of technology workers, artists, entrepreneurs and others who foster an environment that attracts more creatives, which attracts investment, which fuels business. A Twin Cities -based region could boast a high concentration of R &D- oriented companies, an educated populace, high voter turnout, a spirit of volunteerism, active residents. Regional identity is important because people "are pouring off the plains into the Twin Cities," Fisher said. We have a much bigger catchment area than just Minnesota. This is about attracting and keeping talent." Dayton said a roster of member states isn't the point. "I'm not the club president or anything,' he said. "It will be interesting to see what other states self - identify as North. But what's important is that Minnesota really plants a flag as the center of this." And if the region evokes the frigid scene outside our windows right now, so be it. In Stockholm, there are outdoor cafes that operate year - round," he said, warming to the topic. "Maybe the diners are wrapped up in blankets and out there drinking schnapps, but it's wonderful and romantic. "The rest of the country is going to think of us as a place that's cold whether we like it or not, so let's embrace it." Kim Ode • 612- 673 -7185 © 2014 Star Tribune 2 of 2 11/20/2014 11:32 AM