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West Fargo economic development director outlines incentives, metrics and staffing to Fergus Falls council
Summary
Casey Sanders of West Fargo described tools her city uses—local sales tax, renaissance zone incentives, TIF, facade and childcare incentives—and recommended that Fergus Falls set a clear strategic plan, sustainable funding and measurable metrics before hiring an in-house economic-development staffer.
Casey Sanders, director of economic development for the City of West Fargo, told the Fergus Falls City Council at a March 26 work session that West Fargo relies on voter-approved local sales tax revenues and a mix of incentives, planning and local control to attract and retain businesses.
Sanders described specific tools West Fargo uses, recommended a defined strategic plan and sustainable funding for any in-house economic-development function, and outlined staffing and performance practices the council could consider.
Her briefing is notable because Fergus Falls councilors are weighing whether to rebuild sustained local economic-development capacity after Greater Fergus Falls reduced operations; Sanders’ remarks focused on funding sources, incentive mechanics and operational metrics.
Funding and incentives
Sanders said West Fargo’s primary source for larger economic development efforts is a voter-approved local economic-development sales tax that, in her presentation, yields roughly $4 million a year for the…
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