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health of the community that the City continues to seek ways to obtain a higher return on the existing <br /> business park properties. <br /> Ensure that expansion of the City's commercial zoning districts are tied to the cost-effective expansion <br /> of utilities. Development on the highway corridor misdirects investments that are critically needed in <br /> the downtown and business park areas. In addition, development along the highway corridors impedes <br /> safe vehicle travel, degrades highway capacity and is expensive to provide service to. Businesses in these <br /> areas may find comparatively cheap land prices, but that reflects the difficulty in sustaining a business in <br /> an isolated location. New commercial zones must be reserved for areas in the community that will <br /> immediately utilize the community's existing investments in major infrastructure. <br /> Promote an excellent school district and housing policies that cater to a diverse workforce.The <br /> success of businesses in the community will depend on people choosing to move to, live in and invest in <br /> Pequot Lakes.A healthy school and desirable workforce housing are two of the most critical <br /> components necessary to attract workers and investment.To the extent possible,the City of Pequot <br /> Lakes needs to support the local school district and work to implement a robust housing strategy for the <br /> urban neighborhoods of Pequot Lakes. <br /> Assist local businesses with leveraging capital.To maintain a sustainable local economy,the City of <br /> Pequot Lakes should create an environment for businesses to establish,grow and prosper. The City <br /> needs to help new businesses and businesses in transition leverage capital.The availability of capital is <br /> the most important factor in creating and expanding a business.There are opportunities open to the <br /> `-' City to free up capital for businesses or to connect businesses with sources of funding,from tax <br /> increment financing(TIF)to revolving loan funds and community development corporations.The City <br /> should consider these and other emerging mechanisms as part of an economic development strategy. <br /> Partner with local economic development agencies to support and enhance businesses.The City <br /> should assist in energizing the local business spirit. An entrepreneurial spirit in a city is a contagious <br /> thing. If the City continues to show a dedication to business, our partners in the Chamber of Commerce <br /> and the Brainerd Lakes Area Economic Development Corporation will help promote it.City officials need <br /> to be active in business networks reinforcing the idea that local economic advances will come largely <br /> through local cooperation. <br /> HOUSING <br /> POLICIES <br /> The following policies are proposed to guide future housing decisions in Pequot Lakes: <br /> Build neighborhoods that are interconnected to the rest of the community and serve to enhance the <br /> public realm.Traditional approaches to zoning are too inflexible, separating different styles of housing <br /> from each other and disconnecting neighborhoods in a way that is destructive to the character of the <br />