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1 Since the City has an implied obligation to maintain existing infrastructure systems,the way for the City ofPeqoot 2 Lakes to control'the tax burden over the long-term is to make better use of those infrastructure investments,7h_:i_s 4 Streamline the Regulatory Process S � |fPequot Lakes Is going to remain competitive, it needs tpbe easy tudo business in town. |n the past,some ofthe G processes and regulations inherited or developed locally created unnecessary obstacles for businesses and did not 7 provide enough value to justify their application, That has started to change with recent initiatives, and further 8 unwinding bnecessary. 9 It Is Important, however,to maintain a common set of standards in order to protect existing investments.The City 10 should not adopt the standards of neighboring communities in a "race to the bottom" approach to deregulation. 11 Pequotis a unique community with on approach to economic growth and development that differs significantly 12 from the area communities of Brainerd, Baxter, Niyswa, 8reeqy Point and ]enk|nss. The City needs to have high 13 standards that fit with the community and then focus on how those standards are applied and what can be done 14 to streamline the approval process. 15 Grow the nMarket 16 Businesses in pequa¢ Lakes sell goods and services to people around the world. However, there are a significant � 17 number of transactions that take place locally, serving people that live locally. Growing the market of potential � 10 consumers involves different strategies for local,regional and distant markets. 19 For local markets, Pequot Lakes has its greatest competitive advantage in being o convenient location. As 30 convenience for local consumers is increased, more people will opt to shop locally, Increasing convenience means 21 paying attention to the form and function of the public spaces within Pmqunt's commercial areas. It also means 22 housing approaches that locate new residents within walking distance of businesses. 23 Attracting consumers from the region comes with paying attention to those unique experiences and offerings that 24 Pequot Lakes hay, or can grow. With many options in the regional marketplace, Pequm¢ Lahes needs to be a 25 "destination"in order to stand out.This means having an agglomeration of businesses that,while competitive, rely 26 on each other and their collective draw for attracting consumers. The destination effect is enhanced by paying 27 attention to how businesses are spatially located, how their design interacts with their neighbors and how they ` 28 improve the public realm. 29 Distant markets — those beyond the immediate region — are within reach of Pequot Lakes due to quality 30 transportation systems, excellent broadband connectivity and adequate telecommunications systems. Continued 31 Improvements to all of these systems will enhance the community's competitiveness and allow local businesses 32 access tn unlimited markets. S The "DNA" of Pequot Lakes—the framework upon which the city is built — is different than any of the other communities in the immediate area. Baxter and Breezy Point are exclusively auto-oriented communities, lacking the downtown created around the historic railroad stop as in Pequot Lakes. While Nisswa and Brainerd have this traditional pattern,it differs significantly from Pequot Lakes. Brainerd's development is on a different scale and has a different character due to transportation choices made within its traditional neighborhoods. Nisswa has maintain-- -- historic— ---- of — downtown, ' to connect that area to the surrounding neighborhoods.As such,development inPequot Lakes is more diverse and less seasonal than that|nNisawa. | 15 1 PaQe