Council divides into three teams to draft economic development strategy and priorities

The committee discussed a council-led process to define economic development priorities and a proposed schedule for council work on an economic development strategy.

Proposal and rationale: The mayor outlined a three-team approach to develop a shared economic development vision, measurable goals and an organizational structure for delivery and funding. The mayor said the city needs an explicit vision before hiring or structuring economic development capacity, and recommended teams draft proposals to be presented at a Committee of the Whole on May 7, followed by consolidation and adoption by the May 19 council meeting.

Teams and timeline: The mayor proposed three teams with specified council membership (team assignments were read aloud). Each team will prepare a short presentation outlining priorities, strategies and funding options; staff and outside partners (SBDC, West Central Initiative, Otter Tail County CDA, etc.) would be available to each team for background. Council members discussed timing and availability; one council member noted conflicts with travel dates but agreed to participate in drafting remotely.

Discussion: Council members emphasized transparency, measurable outcomes, community input, and fiscal responsibility. One council member urged caution about past approaches that lacked measurable returns, and another urged rapid action to avoid lost opportunities. Several members noted the need to coordinate with county, schools, HRA and other partners.

Next steps: Teams will prepare presentations for the May 7 Committee of the Whole meeting; staff will provide guidelines to each team for consistency. The council intends to consolidate team proposals and return with a unified plan for formal adoption at the May 19 council meeting.