Economic Development Committee (EDC)
For the past four years, Emily Rousseau, my opponent in this election for mayor, has served as the City Council liaison to the Economic Development Committee (EDC). The EDC has not been successful under her leadership; she has missed 25% of the EDC meetings. During that time, the EDC has not maintained the strong ongoing relationship with Arden Hills businesses that prior Councils had cultivated and that our business community needs.
The EDC’s role is important: to listen to our businesses, understand their needs and concerns, and connect them with the City. Arden Hills is home to 197 registered businesses. As City Council liaison to the EDC, Rousseau has the responsibility to keep open communication with our businesses; a responsibility not met in the past four years. The EDC has only contacted 14 businesses to participate in one-on-one interviews, and four of those businesses were already members of the EDC. A SurveyMonkey survey sent to all businesses received only 21 responses, with no follow-up. With such a small percentage of businesses reached, the City’s important connections with businesses is not happening.
My record shows what effective business outreach can be accomplished. Prior to Emily’s tenure as EDC Council liaison, under my leadership as Mayor, 95% of the City businesses were personally contacted by the City Council. Councilmembers visited Arden Hills businesses in person, demonstrating that we genuinely valued their ideas and concerns business. These visits were a huge success. At that time we also partnered with the Chamber of Commerce on a meaningful written survey to learn what businesses wanted from their city government and where we could improve. That the same personal hands-on approach is needed today.
Rousseau also missed an opportunity to strengthen connections between our businesses and the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce. Currently only 16 Arden Hills businesses belong to the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce. The EDC has not been a successful partner in strengthening relationships between Arden Hills businesses and the Chamber.
Another of the EDC’s responsibilities, under Rousseau, was to secure business sponsorship’s for the City’s 75th anniversary. But their lack of interest resulted in sponsorship’s from only a small handful of businesses.
Recent events also demonstrated the importance of strong relationships with our business community. During Metro Surge, it was critical for the City to be out in the community, which the EDC failed to do. As Mayor, I took on that responsibility and met with businesses traumatized by ICE agents on their property, as well as the sheriff to discuss responses, and provided information to businesses on their rights. Another EDC opportunity missed by Rousseau.
After four years, Arden Hills businesses deserve an EDC that listens, builds relationships and gets results. I have demonstrated the leadership needed to be effective. This leadership by Councilmember Rousseau has been totally lacking.