Economic Development Planning in Region 6Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Progress Report

Board MeetingDecember 10, 2012

903 East Main StreetMarshalltown, IA 50158(641) 752-0717www.region6planning.org

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

Strengths Weaknesses

o Urban-rural diversityo Major travel routeso Post-secondary education opportunitieso Industrial growtho Strong leadershipo Sense of community and identityo “Can do!” attitudeo Public-private partnershipso Public transito Workforce that is ready to worko Freight infrastructureo Service learning programs

o Lack of specific skilled laboro Issues with willingness to worko Lack of youth employment opportunitieso Lack of soft skillso Lack of retail optionso Broadband issueso Aging water and transportation

infrastructureo Lack of affordable quality housingo Shortage of healthcare providerso Issues with elected officials not

understanding all municipal functions

Opportunities Threats

o Industrial growtho Matching job training with job availabilityo Energy productiono Recreation facilitieso Childcareo Affordable quality housingo Local food system developmento Healthy lifestyle promotiono Overcoming cost of rail infrastructure

projectso Freighto Senior service provisiono Recycling

o Brain Draino Air and water quality issueso Natural disasterso Reduction of federal and state fundso Water availability for industrial useo Healthcare reimbursemento Increased poverty, e.g. increase in free

or reduced cost lunch in schools

Region 6 SWOT

CEDS GoalsGoal OneRetain 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 ProjectsGoal 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 GoalsGoal TwoPromote and support healthy lifestyles in the region.

CEDS ProjectsGoal 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 GoalsGoal ThreeEnhance housing quality and affordability while reducing blight in the region.

CEDS ProjectsGoal 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 GoalsGoal FourConsider environmental quality, natural disaster resiliency, and overall sustainability in economic development projects in the region.

CEDS ProjectsGoal 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 GoalsGoal FiveSupport 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 ProjectsGoal 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 CommentsContact Information

Alicia Prestoapresto@region6planning.org(641) 751-0517 (Mobile Line)