2019-2024 Economic Development Strategic Plan

3. Evaluate and allocate resources to carry out the plan’s implementation and determine how long-term projects will be sustained in the face of both daily operations and emerging requests for resources. PLAN GOALS The Grow Spencer Commission has created this work plan based on two specific goals for the City:

1. The creation of 300 new high-quality jobs ii in the next five years 2. The construction of 250 new houses with emphasis on workforce housing PROJECT BACKGROUND ABOUT SPENCER

At the crossroads of U.S. Highways 18 and 71, the City of Spencer is part of the Iowa Lakes Corridor in northwest Iowa and is one of 550 designated Micropolitan Statistical Areas (μSAs) in the United States. U.S. Highway 71 travels through Spencer’s historic downtown (referred to locally as Grand Avenue) and the City is surrounded by beltways on its western and eastern boundaries, offering truck traffic alternate routes. Spencer’s population estimate as of July 2017 was 11,045, down 188 since the 2010 Census. GROW SPENCER COMMISSION The Grow Spencer Commission was established by Ordinance 827 on March 5, 2018 to advise and assist the Mayor, Council and City Staff in the areas of city vision and mission statement; design of City logos and marketing materials; quality of life issues; and retail, industrial and commercial economic development. The Grow Spencer Commission has been integral in the creation of this plan, serving as representatives of the community, advisors and contributors throughout the process. The following is a list of the current Commission members and advisors:

Kimberly Cloyd Braden Falline Brea Schmidt Steven Hallgren

Angela McCaulley

Janis Meyers Tyler Heck

Clark Cunningham

Kevin Robinson, Mayor Amanda Mack, City Manager SCOPE OF WORK

The City Council, on the recommendation of its newly formed and appointed Grow Spencer Commission, retained Toyer Strategic Consulting to assist in creating a strategic economic development work plan for the City. The following is a restatement of this project’s scope of work. PHASE 1a: Research & Engagement 1. Hold kick-off meeting(s) with City Council and the Grow Spencer Commission, as well as complete a community tour, initial strategy session, code and policy discussion, and identification of interview candidates for Phase II 2. Review of existing community economic development vision(s), objectives, plans and strategies 3. Inventory critical economic development assets and targets 4. Gather relevant background data, analytics and community information

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