Envision Shakopee

OPPORTUNITIES

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RETAIN AND EXPAND SHAKOPEE’S INDUSTRIAL BASE Diversify the housing supply The city should diversify its housing supply and increase the number of units available that are affordable to those who currently commute into the city. Specifically, the city should support the creation of multifamily housing, which will create housing options for Shakopee’s workforce and its existing seniors, which in turn will free up existing and lower- cost single-family homes for young families. Multifamily housing options will also help Shakopee meet market demands or young professionals. See the housing chapter for further discussion on this subject. Improve coordination between business and civic leadership Clear communication between business leaders and municipal staff allows the city to effectively respond to existing employer needs. To improve coordination, Envision Shakopee recommends expanding the scope and impact of the existing Executive and Business Owners Roundtable. First, the city should formalize and empower this group with the addition of civic leaders from around the city and the city economic development staff. Monthly meetings should be used to discuss key issues facing the business community and the ways in which city policies and tactics can enrich the business environment. Roundtables like this are most successful when there are shared issues across companies and discussions focus on shared mutual success of the city and the businesses. Embrace future market changes The city should embrace future market changes, including automation. While the impact of automation remains unclear, Shakopee can brand itself as home to a new cluster for advanced and automated technology firms. By investing in perceived threats, Shakopee will be encouraging more innovation in existing firms and sending a signal to outside employers and talent that it will continue to be at the forefront of warehousing and distribution.

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RECOMMENDATIONS » Diversify the city’s housing supply » Improve coordination between business and civic leadership

» Embrace future market changes » Recruit front of house operations

ENVISION SHAKOPEE |SECTION II: ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT