HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-17 I01I Small Business Attraction Action PlanAGENDA ITEM:
CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING COMMUNICATION
MEETING DATE: April 17, 2023
AGENDA ITEM:Consideration of approval of a resolution approving and adopting City of
Waukee Economic Development Small Business Attraction Action Plan
FORMAT:Consent Agenda
SYNOPSIS INCLUDING PRO & CON: The Small Business Attraction Action Plan outlines the
Economic Development Department’s economic development strategy for small business growth,
development, and attraction. Waukee’s small businesses are the lifeblood of the economy, employing
more than 90% of the City’s workforce. When small businesses thrive, they become community
champions and a beacon for new business attraction. The City’s Small Business Attraction plan
focuses on providing small business the support and resources necessary to take advantage of growth
opportunities in the City of Waukee. Additionally, the plan provides solutions for small business
facing challenges finding a new location in Waukee. The goals included are intended to ensure that
Waukee’s economy remains healthy, innovative, and diversified. The Small Business Attraction Plan
goals and action items will be implemented through 2023.
FISCAL IMPACT INCLUDING COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS:
COMMISSION/BOARD/COMMITTEE COMMENT:
STAFF REVIEW AND COMMENT: Staff recommends approval of the action plan.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the resolution.
ATTACHMENTS: I. Proposed Resolution
II. City of Waukee Small Business Attraction Action Plan
PREPARED BY:Jennifer Brown, Economic Development Director
REVIEWED BY:
I1I
THE CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
RESOLUTION 2023-
APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE CITY OF WAUKEE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT SMALL BUSINESS ATTRACTION ACTION PLAN
IN THE NAME AND BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
WHEREAS, the City of Waukee, Dallas County, State of Iowa, is a duly organized Municipal
Organization; AND,
WHEREAS, the City Council and the City of Waukee have established Small Business
Attraction Plan as a Fiscal Year 2023 Council goal; AND,
WHEREAS, City staff has worked with local partners to gather insights on the challenges facing
Waukee small business owners in the current economic climate; AND,
WHEREAS, City staff continues to identify obstacles small businesses encounter when seeking
a location in the City of Waukee; AND,
WHEREAS, a City of Waukee Economic Development Small Business Attraction Action Plan
focuses providing small businesses the support and resources they need to ensure Waukee’s
economy remains healthy, innovative, and diversified in an effort to address challenges.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the City of Waukee City Council that it hereby
approves and adopts the City of Waukee Economic Development Small Business Attraction
Action Plan, attached hereto as Exhibit A.
Passed by the City Council of the City of Waukee, Iowa, and approved the 17th day of April,
2023.
____________________________
Courtney Clarke, Mayor
Attest:
___________________________________
Rebecca D. Schuett, City Clerk
RESULTS OF VOTE: AYE NAY ABSENT ABSTAIN
Anna Bergman Pierce
R. Charles Bottenberg
Chris Crone
Larry R. Lyon
Ben Sinclair
EXHIBIT A
Small Business Attraction Action Plan
The City of Waukee recognizes that small businesses are the lifeblood of
the economy and play a vital role in driving economic growth and job
creation. Small businesses build community identity, foster
neighborhood wealth and financial stability which ultimately lead to new
economic growth. When small businesses thrive, they become community champions and a
beacon for new business attraction. The City’s small business growth and attraction strategy
focuses on providing small businesses the support and resources they need to ensure Waukee’s
economy remains healthy, innovative, and diversified.
Goal 1: Provide resources for small business development and growth.
Action 1: Provide customized market data for growth and attraction.
Action 2: Maintain sites & buildings database.
Action 3: Make regular updates to the economic development webpage.
Action 4: Connect businesses to regional, state & federal resources.
Goal 2: Adjust incentives to encourage increased opportunities for small business.
Action 1: Partner with developers to reserve a portion of a project’s overall commercial space
for locally owned businesses, or to do so at below-market rate rents.
o Smaller spaces
o Below market rent
Goal 3: Support local small businesses community.
Action 1: Support the Downtown Business group with expanding the Farmer’s Market
Action 2: Support a buy local program & promote “Look Local First.”
Action 3: Encourage city attendance at Chamber events showcasing Waukee businesses.
Goal 4:Foster entrepreneurship & Innovation
Action 1: Help to bring co-working space to Waukee.
Action 2: Support and attract local makers.
o Consider flexible zoning to include makers in downtown and neighborhood districts.
Action 3: Celebrate and showcase successful entrepreneurs in Waukee.
Action 4: Invest in the revitalization of the Downtown District
o Promote existing downtown programs.
Goal 5 (Long-term): Increasing small business access to capital.
Action 1: Research funding sources for new program
o Explore setting aside TIF to capitalize fund.
o Loan pool or cooperative
Action 2: Identify potential partners & define program criteria.
o Public/Private
o Microloan
o Industry & size parameters