Dakota Times

The City of Lakeville's Economic Development Plan for 2020-2023 will include workforce development, housing and business retention, and new multi-unit housing among others.

On March 16, the Lakeville City Council approved the city’s Strategic Plan for Economic Development taking into account the city's weaknesses and its strengths, reported the Sun This Week.

The approved plan was a concerted effort over the past five months with city staff and the Rapp Consulting Group and identified four priorities. Business retention, expansion and diversification are one of the plan’s priorities. Establishing a city business expansion program was highlighted in the plan, Sun This Week reported.

The plan also calls for maximizing the city’s competitive edge, and creating jobs that match the skills of the city’s work force.

In addition, housing is also included in the plan with calls for multi-family units to be built along the I-35 and Cedar Avenue corridors. It is hoped that the housing will help spur commercial development.

The plan also included identifying opportunities to host regional events, partnerships with technical colleges in the area and identifying ways to attract tourism.

Two projects identified in the plan include an expansion of Antlers Park and also more development of Downtown Lakeville.

Mayor Doug Anderson, who was one of many who worked on the economic development plan said it is “one more step in zeroing in on what is important to the community.”

While the plan was approved, revisions could be made as warranted. Community and Economic Development Director Dave Olson told the Sun This Week, “This is not etched in stone. It may be revisited if other priorities arise.”