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903 East Main Street Marshalltown, IA 50158 (641) 752-0717 www.region6planning.org Economic Development Planning in Region 6 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Progress Report Board Meeting December 10, 2012 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy: The Basics Main purpose is to identify economic opportunities, goals, projects and an action plan to complete projects in the region Strategy development is funded by Economic Development Administration (EDA) EDA approved strategy qualifies region to apply for applicable funding Goals and Project Identification with Committee SWOT Analysis Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats Brainstorm goals and objectives then finalize Brainstorm projects to achieve goals then finalize SWOT Analysis SWOT analysis at Regional Development Committee meeting October 10, 2012 Region 6 SWOT Strengths o o o o o o o o o o o o Urban-rural diversity Major travel routes Post-secondary education opportunities Industrial growth Strong leadership Sense of community and identity “Can do!” attitude Public-private partnerships Public transit Workforce that is ready to work Freight infrastructure Service learning programs Weaknesses o o o o o o o o o o Opportunities o o o o o o o o o o o o Industrial growth Matching job training with job availability Energy production Recreation facilities Childcare Affordable quality housing Local food system development Healthy lifestyle promotion Overcoming cost of rail infrastructure projects Freight Senior service provision Recycling Lack of specific skilled labor Issues with willingness to work Lack of youth employment opportunities Lack of soft skills Lack of retail options Broadband issues Aging water and transportation infrastructure Lack of affordable quality housing Shortage of healthcare providers Issues with elected officials not understanding all municipal functions Threats o o o o o o o Brain Drain Air and water quality issues Natural disasters Reduction of federal and state funds Water availability for industrial use Healthcare reimbursement Increased poverty, e.g. increase in free or reduced cost lunch in schools CEDS Goals Goal One Retain and increase quality jobs in the region by strengthening existing industries; promoting targeted industries; and strengthening and supporting small businesses, locally-owned businesses, and creative entrepreneurs in the region. Targeted industries identified by the Iowa Economic Development Authority include advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, biosciences, information technology, financial services, and food manufacturing. CEDS Projects Goal One Assist with Customer Workforce Plan recommendations being developed by the Iowa Workforce Development Region 6 office. Improve marketing and promotion of the available revolving loan funds in the region by developing a clearinghouse for all revolving loan fund information, assess current marketing techniques, and identify improvements. Compile information about the tax tools and incentives available to cities, counties, and businesses in the region. Compile and distribute information about funding opportunities for cities, counties, and organizations in the region. Inventory vocational training and employment opportunity programs in the region and work with businesses to determine what additional programs may be needed. Pursue transportation system improvement funds Identify and work with employers that could benefit from an employee carpool or rideshare-type program. CEDS Goals Goal Two Promote and support healthy lifestyles in the region. CEDS Projects Goal Two Complete assessment of access to affordable and healthy food in interested communities. Complete walkability and bikeability assessment in interested communities. Create a team for improving healthy lifestyles on a county wide basis. Identify the need for indoor recreation facilities and related funding opportunities for the region. Increase marketing of public transit options in the region. Complete a focus group of young professionals in the region to identify their quality of life needs and concerns. CEDS Goals Goal Three Enhance housing quality and affordability while reducing blight in the region. CEDS Projects Goal Three Explore the feasibility of a shared housing inspector for the region. Assess current marketing and education methods for housing programs and identify needed improvements. Identify methods and potential funding to provide finance and general home ownership training for interested residents and participants in housing programs. Continue to support the housing programs administered by the Region 6 Planning Commission, Mid-Iowa Community Action, and other organizations. CEDS Goals Goal Four Consider environmental quality, natural disaster resiliency, and overall sustainability in economic development projects in the region. CEDS Projects Goal Four Complete annual reviews or updates of hazard mitigation plans for cities and counties. Create teams to improve sustainability efforts for the public and private sectors. Complete energy audits of municipal operations in interested communities. CEDS Goals Goal Five Support and promote the diversity in culture, community, and attractions in the region. Also promote and support cooperation among organizations, cities, and counties in the region to leverage existing knowledge, experience, and resources. CEDS Projects Goal Five Inventory regional amenities and create regional promotion materials. Identify and connect groups and individuals in the region that may benefit from information sharing meetings, e.g. city clerks, public works directors, mayors, etc. Collaborate training opportunities at the regional level, e.g. zoning, using TIF districts, local official training, etc. Finalizing the CEDS Draft complete for a 30-day public comment period beginning December 1st and ending December 31st Continue to review and enhance draft to meet standards and requirements Comments will be incorporated as they are received Final CEDS will be submitted to EDA for approval on December 31st Questions or Comments Contact Information Alicia Presto [email protected] (641) 751-0517 (Mobile Line)