2. GFMEDC sales tax proposal - Laserfiche WebLink

Centers for Advancement of Erner . chnology K-12 STEM Str Infrastructure communications Infras tructure These components, the building blocks of an advanced economy, address the major needs of high growth companies: a critical mass of intellectual capacity in emerging growth sectors; solid entrepreneurial infrastructure and a culture that supports risk-taking; state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure; quality air service; and a high quality of life. This vision of economic development is holistic and comprehensive because building strength in one area is no longer sufficient to compete. While countless communities around the country have developed strategies for recruiting businesses in high growth sectors, Greater Fargo Moorhead is one of the few to address all the components neces- sary for long-term success. Part III presents our holistic Growth Plan, a vision of prosper- ity for Greater Fargo Moorhead, through the five essential building blocks. Finally, we understand that this strategic vision will not happen without a significant amount of investment in our community and our future. Part IV presents initial concepts to fund the Growth Plan, including a 1/2 penny Growth Plan sales tax, the GFMEDC's Smart Growth Initiative private sector campaign, state and federal sources, and private corporate investment. As this document notes, plans for funding the Growth Plan currently reflect only Cass County, North Dakota. Strategic planners agree on the importance of Clay County, Minnesota in the success of this economic initiative; the initiative thus far has in- cluded input of dozens of Clay County citizens and will continue to do so. However, the process to secure a sales tax for growth is more complicated in Minnesota than in North Dakota, and must receive permission from the State Legislature. Strategic planners are currently devising a plan of action to assure legislative approval within the next two years. 2