2019-2024 Economic Development Strategic Plan

PHASE 1 RESEARCH & ENGAGEMENT (Phase 1A)

Phase 1A is the Consultant’s opportunity to fully assess the City’s current economic development strategies and assets, including related programs, services and regulations. Further, it serves as a project kick-off and initial assessment of the plan elements that need to be evaluated during the process.

PROJECT KICK-OFF Preliminary Survey of Commissioners

In preparing for the project kick-off, the Consultant distributed (via email) a short survey for members of the Grow Spencer Commission. The goal of the survey was to assess the clarity of Spencer’s current economic development vision and determine strategies for revisiting an existing vision or initiating a new vision. Further, the survey was used to assess how Commissioners viewed the City’s role in economic development.

The survey consisted of five questions, including:

Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4 Question 5

Does the City have a clear vision or mission? (Yes or No) In your own words, describe the City’s current vision. In your own words, describe what the City’s vision should be.

What are the City’s current roles in economic development? (Select all that apply) What should be the City’s economic development roles? (Select all that apply)

Survey Highlights  Unanimous agreement that the City did not (currently) have a clear vision or mission for economic development  That the current undefined vision for Spencer (generally) involves new industry, retail growth, population growth, and tourism. And that the community is a good place to raise children.  The Commissioners (individually) indicated that a future vision needs to be based on enriching the lives of Spencer citizens, embracing the community’s history (and features such as Art Deco architecture), improving industry, retail and population growth.  The Commissioners (individually) indicated that the diverse economic development roles of the City are generally concentrated in investing in infrastructure, promoting a business-friendly atmosphere and offering incentives to locate in Spencer. By contrast, in identifying the roles the City should have in the future, Commissioners (individually) emphasized a more balanced approach that elevated the role of marketing and branding (to new businesses and residents) with an emphasis on marketing and branding the community to new residents in the future. Project Kick-off & Community Tour Consultant conducted a two-day community visit to Spencer on August 13 th and 14 th . The visit consistent of several key elements: 1. Individual interviews with members of the Grow Spencer Commission and City Council Progress and Development Committee 2. A driving tour of Spencer, including its current and future industrial development areas, downtown, new housing developments, retail centers and major employers. 3. A kick-off meeting with the Grow Spencer Commission to discuss the City’s vision and mission, as well as the approach for the community assessment. 4. Meetings with the City Manager and Assistant City Manager to discussion city operations and policies. 5. Meetings with the Planning Department to discuss the City’s zoning code and comprehensive plan.

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