HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-17 Resolution 2023-160_Small Business Attraction Action PlanTHE CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
RESOLUTION 2023-160
APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE CITY OF WAUKEE ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT SMALL BUSINESS ATTRACTION ACTION PLAN
IN THE NAME AND BY THE A UTHORITY OF THE CITY OF WA UKEE, 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 approve 7ch day of April,
2023.
R. arles Bottenberg, Mayor Pro Tem.
Attest:
� to.
Rebecca D. Schuett, City Clerk
RESULTS OF VOTE:
AYE
Anna Bergman Pierce
X
R. Charles Bottenberg
X
Chris Crone
X
Larry R. Lyon
X
Ben Sinclair
X
NAY ABSENT ABSTAIN
EXHIBIT A
.■w,A*
' Small Business Attraction Action Plan
,A', The City of Waukee recognizes that small businesses are the lifeblood of
'OWN
owl the economy and play a vital role in driving economic growth and job
Waukee creation. Small businesses build community identity, foster
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 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