City Leaders Discuss Economic Development Strategy
Mayor Vern Rasmussen, Councilor Al Brooks, City Manager Chad Adams and Assistant City Manager Gabrielatos participated in a three-hour strategy session with the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency Board on Wednesday. The wide-ranging discussion focused on how to increase the community’s tax base, asset-mapping and what industries to target based on those assets.
“It was a great start. We look forward to sitting down with the City Council soon,” said ALEDA Executive Director Ryan Nolander. As part of a collaborative effort to advance Albert Lea’s economy, Nolander and Chamber Director Randy Kehr are partaking in a Council Work session on August 18th.
“This demonstrates commitment to reaching the goals the Council made earlier in the year,” said Adams. The top goal of the Council is to, “increase community tax base with a defined action plan, collaboration with ALEDA and others.”
Staff from the City, ALEDA and Chamber are exploring the ideas generated at the session and will continue increased cooperation throughout the year.
– Jerry Gabrielatos, Assistant City Manager