2023.11.01 EDC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Councilmember Abdulle provided the EDC with an update from the City Council. He stated the Council met on Tuesday, September 5 at Hansen Park and held a preliminary budget discussion. He reported The Exchange apartments held a grand opening two weeks ago and noted this building was already 60% occupied. He explained in August the Council discussed the Public Safety Department model. He commented further on the franchise agreement the Council approved with Xcel Energy. VI. Business Items 1) What is the Appeal Campaign Gozola stated at this year’s visioning session for the 2023/24 workplan, coming up with ways to market the City of New Brighton beyond local and regional spheres was brought up as an area the commission should explore. He commented on the joint Council/Commission meeting that was held earlier this year. He understood from this meeting the Council learned Commissioners would like more opportunities to have more action and influence on work plan items. He then asked the Commission to consider how the City could market itself outside of the local and regional sphere. Discussion included: • The Commission supported the City having a landing page for businesses on its website with testimonials from local business owners. In addition, the City should consider posting more on social media. • The Commission suggested a welcoming video be created and posted to the website. • The Commission discussed the positives of living in Minnesota and how it was family oriented, noting New Brighton was also in a strong school district. • The Commission commented on how strong word of mouth recommendations were for businesses. • The Commission requested they be provided with badges or official name tags as this would be valuable to have during business visits. • The prime location and safety in New Brighton was discussed. • The possibility of using an electronic billboard for advertising purposes was discussed. • Councilmember Abdulle spoke to how the City’s parks, Eagle’s Nest and Long Lake Regional Park were additional draws to the community. • The Commission believed it was important to have gateway signs in order to differentiate New Brighton from surrounding communities. • The Commission recommended the City’s natural beauty and trails, hidden just beyond the freeway, be highlighted further on the website. 2) General Updates a. New Brighton Exchange – Block B