3 - Comprehensive Plan Discussion (2)

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recreational, or civic—should incorporate Pequot Lakes' small town feel and cultural heritage in their layout and design. Proposed Strategies for Implementation: • Not sure I agree in Industrial areas...the downtown, yes. Certainly. attached neighborhoods...yes. Encourage public participation in an open and transparent local government system.The foresight and lack of complacency among residents is distinct in Pequot Lakes. By continuing to encourage and support its tradition of civic engagement,the City will strengthen its community pride and strong traditions. Proposed Strategies for Implementation: Ensure that elected and appointed officials, local citizens, business owners,and landowners are informed of and understand the goals and strategies contained in the Comprehensive Plan.This Comprehensive Plan will not be effective unless all property owners, residents, staff, and officials are aware of its policies and actions.Over the years, hundreds of area residents and concerned individuals have volunteered a great deal of time working on planning in the community, including development of the Pequot Lakes Comprehensive Plan,Sibley Township's Comprehensive Plan,the Downtown Plan,the Highway 371 planning efforts and/or any one of the lake management plans that have been assembled. These participants want to make sure that their work is not discarded, but rather is repeatedly referred to.The City needs to educate everyone impacted by the Comprehensive Plan so that it is the driving vision behind all local decisions. Proposed Strategies for Implementation: • Develop materials for people interested in Pecluot Lakes, including having it available online. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT POLICIES The following policies are proposed to guide future economic growth and development in Pequot Lakes: Strive to maintain long-term stability in the City's rate of taxation. Business growth and creation in Pequot is going to depend on the City's long-term competitiveness. It is enticing to spend money today to induce near-term growth. However,when that growth does not create long-term revenues to handle ongoing maintenance expenses,the subsequent rising tax rate hurts business. Pequot Lakes must take a long-term look at its tax and expense structure and ensure businesses a solid and stable investment environment.