WORKSHOP ITEM Erik Thorvig, Economic Development Coordinator
Title
PRESENTATION ON ANOKA COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE REPORT
Background
Earlier this year, the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce, Connexus Energy and Anoka County together commissioned an economic development study to assess the county’s strengths and identify its challenges and opportunities. Ady Advantage, a nationally-recognized economic development, site selection, and marketing consulting firm, was selected by a steering committee whose members include representatives from Anoka County, Connexus Energy, MetroNorth Chamber and city economic development staff (including Blaine). The consulting firm spent months compiling data, researching the region, visiting sites available for development, and interviewing stakeholders, such as CEOs, young professionals, and real estate brokers.
Preliminary results of the 205 page study were released in December and among the key findings: Anoka County has lower-priced land than other parts of the Twin Cities metro, a strong manufacturing core, good public schools, and affordable, reliable access to electric power. The study also noted however, that more than 120,000 residents leave the county to commute to work each day. The report includes a matrix of targeted industries, strengths and weaknesses and implementation steps to capitalize on economic development in our region. The steering committee will meet again in January to discuss ways in which the economic development study can be used as the foundation of a multi-year strategic plan.
Staff would like to present a condensed version of the study to the city council so they are aware of the activities occurring and discuss specifically where Blaine is positioned for economic development in respect to the rest of Anoka County.