Opinion: Message From the Mayor – Economic Development in Shakopee

Economic Development and job creation can be a major boon for growing communities like Shakopee. It provides employment for residents, attracts non-residents to our community, and supplies a stronger tax base for the city to help maintain and enhance our current infrastructure.

While Shakopee is fortunate to be home to multiple entertainment venues, has six retail centers, and houses a strong industrial park (Valley Green) and industrial base, there is always room for improvement. The city of Shakopee has partnered with Scott County Association for Leadership and Efficiency (SCALE) to take a closer look at enhancing economic development in the area and to hep meet the goal of providing enough employement in Scott County to support 50 percent of the county's labor force. The city's economic development Advisory Committee continues to develop Shakopee's marketing plan.

One possible role of the city is to extend incentives to companies hoping to start up, relocate or expand a business in Shakopee. In addition to offering a more business-friendly infrastructure (accesibility to major roadways and building space), Shakopee also has a business development toolkit, which can include Tax Increment Financing (TIF), tax abatement, Economic Development Authority loan funds, SAC credits, and job partnership training grants from the State of Minnesota. These incentives allow us to attract potential businesses, without emptying the city coffers.

This year, we have responded to four inquiries from firms looking to build a new manufacturing or warehousing facility. We currently are working with two of them and are monitoring a third. We're hopeful that these relationships (and others in the future) will develop into good paying job opportunities for residents. 

As we transition to new leadership in 2012, please know it has been an honor to serve as your mayor the past eight years. Thank you!

"Message from the Mayor" was used with permission and originally appeared in the city's publication "Hometown Messenger" for Winter 2011-2012. To read the entire publication online, click here