2. GFMEDC sales tax proposal - Laserfiche WebLink

The Growth Plan presents recommendations, developed by a committee of entrepreneurial, business, community and economic development ex- perts, in four areas crucial to entrepreneurial success. This includes incu- bation infrastructure and services, access to financing, human resources, and promotion. This plan will make Greater Fargo Moorhead one of the few communities that have developed a comprehensive entrepreneurial strategy, and reaped the results. A cutting-edge Telecommunications Infrastructure is a fundamental piece of business infrastructure for the growth economy. The major area of need in Greater Fargo Moorhead is the completion of an advanced fiber optic broadband information services network that connects research universities and institutions around the United States. Since the network's inception, all of North Dakota and Minne- sota outside the Twin Cities have not been on this map, and as history shows, it is never good for a community to be "off the map" of any type. Federal funding in 2006 brought Greater Fargo Moorhead closer to closing this information gap by connecting NDSU to the University of Minnesota. There is still work to do, however, in the way of securing annual operating costs for the network, as well as ex- tending it to include MSUM and Concordia College. The fourth building block, Air Service, is also a critical component of business infrastructure. Greater Fargo Moorhead is served by Hector International Airport, with four different carriers and multiple flights a day to Minneapolis, Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas. Existing businesses both large and small rely on this infrastructure to do business globally, while potential companies, es- pecially global and national headquarters, consider the existence and quality of air service a factor in site selection. Three aspects comprise quality air service: schedules, availability, and fare structure. Greater Fargo Moorhead needs to pursue additional carriers to increase competition, which will in turn drive down fares, introduce additional departures and destinations, and improve schedules to be more conducive to conducting business. Greater Fargo Moorhead is known for its quality education system and strong community value of education. Primary and secondary education is a critical component of the quality of life that is so im- portant for smart families looking to stay in, or relocate to, the community. The fifth building block, K- 12 STEM Strategies, represents the community's plan of action in science, technology, engineering and math education. STEM subjects and the skills they impart best prepare students for higher edu- cation and careers in the new global economy, and starting this education at the K-12 level is vital. Strategies that the growth plan have identified as crucial include: creating a K-12 STEM coordinator that would work with the regional school districts and higher education institutions to coordinate and raise awareness of programs, competitions and workshops in STEM subjects; and instituting special- ized financial incentives, namely scholarships to local universities, for high-performing students in STEM subjects. History has shown that little worthwhile can happen without significant investment, and the Growth Plan is no exception. In order to position Greater Fargo Moorhead to compete and win in the global economy, guaranteeing growth and prosperity for generations of citizens of North Dakota and Minne- sota, the community itself must be the first to step up to the table. Implementation of the growth plan will require investment from federal, state and university sources; the private sector; and the public sector in the form of a sales tax for growth. Estimated expenses and Initial discussions on funding are underway. 10