07-21-08 Special Called Regular Meeting of the Development Corporation Board of Directors

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STUDY APPROACH, continued . Internal Marketing Activities - "Internal marketing" refers to communications initiatives that the City and other local organizations should undertake to improve overall collaboration among local leaders. Successful economic development campaigns have a foundation of local support from business executives, residents, educators, public officials, and even local media. This section of the Plan will set forth a 5-year calendar of activities aimed at enhancing the ability of the community to work together to promote economic development. It will also include tactics aimed at retaining and growing local businesses. . External Marketing Activities - "External marketing" refers to all activities aimed at communicating La Porte's value to target audiences located outside of the city. External marketing results in the attraction and creation of jobs, which is a stated goal of the City of La Porte. This section of the Strategic Plan provides tactics for attracting La Porte's desired target audience mix into the City. We will recommend practical applications of La Porte's new brand identity in the marketing process. The exact activities will depend on the City's goals, target audiences, strengths, weaknesses, staff and budget resources. Step 4.2: Master / Comprehensive Plan Review and Recommendations We will conduct an in -depth review of the City's Master Plan and offer recommendations for adapting it to changes in goals, target audience mix, and local and regional economic forces. Step 4.3: Development Policies Review and Recommendations We will review current City development policies and regulations. In this review, we will determine how well they align with La Porte's desired economic mix. We will recommend changes to policies and regulations to foster an environment in which La Porte's target audiences will thrive. We will examine existing zoning district regulations and policies affecting development and redevelopment of the City. We will recommend revisions as necessary to support La Porte's target audience mix. Finally, we will consider how historical preservation policies can be improved to further enhance quality of life in La Porte. We will determine how City leaders and other local organizations can leverage participation in regional heritage tourism programs and public art venues. Step 4.4: Main Street Business District Action Plan We will examine the possibility of redeveloping the Main Street District to include South Broadway from Main Street along to its intersection with Fairmont Parkway. We will offer recommendations on whether this extension should take place, and what steps need to be taken to do so. In addition, we will review the current Main Street Program and provide tactics aimed at strengthening the program. We will gauge community PROPOSAL: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE CITY OF LA PORTE. RFP #08510 12