Local Government Solutions

Covers a variety of topics to help communities be successful in meeting the goals of the city council and addressing citizen needs in a professional, cost effective, manner by utilizing SCSC’s pooled resources. More . . .

Is an umbrella for planning, zoning, economic development and housing. SCSC can work to ensure these disciplines are coordinated and consistent to best represent your community.

SCSC will work with the city’s EDA and HRA to meet community needs. SCSC will also work with the city’s boards and commissions to identify projects, strategic planning, site identification, shovel ready site certification, business retention and attraction plans, and coordinate with the Department of Employment and Economic Development on projects, strategies and programs.

SCSC will help cities coordinate and implement various financial tools such as TIF, tax abatement, the Minnesota Investment Fund, bonding, or state and federal grants.

Affordable housing is a key component to economic development strategies today. SCSC can work to identify housing needs and resources available from statewide partners such DEED, Minnesota Housing Finance and area housing agencies including South West Minnesota Housing Partnership and the Initiative Foundation. SCSC can also facilitate and manage in-depth housing studies and grant writing through relationships with housing consultants.

Conducting a search for a new administrator or manager has become a costly and time-consuming task for local governments. The SCSC Executive Search Program will assist member local governments with their administrator or manager search. 

Service Components: 

• Meet with the city council or county board to provide an overview of the search process 
• Create a search calendar and timeline 
• Meet with the city council or county board, staff and community to create a profile for the new administrator or manager 
• Recruit candidates for the position 
• Receive and process candidate applications 
• Provide for the preliminary screening and recommendations for interview of candidates 
• Assist the city council or county board with the interview process 
• Meet with the city council or county board to facilitate the decision on a new administrator or manager and develop a contract for the position as needed 
• Provide mentoring to the new administrator or manager 
• Contract with SCSC for interim or a part-time administrator or manager

Long-range financial and capital improvement planning is integral to future success for local governments. SCSC can assist with these efforts in a number of areas. 

Service Components: 

• Long-term financial plan development 
• Capital improvement plan development
• Redevelopment 
• Tax increment and abatement financing 
• Infrastructure rehabilitation 
• Grants 

Experienced administrators are available to provide advice and background information based on long term experience in local government, personnel issues, finance and legislative affairs. 

SCSC can assist with planning needs and projects. Community planning is not a one size fits all process, it needs to be tailored to an individual community’s characteristics and local geography. SCSC will help prioritize your vision in an efficient and practical manner.
 
SCSC is available for special projects or can serve as your community’s planning staff. Services include planning commission meetings, agendas and publishing public notices. SCSC will facilitate and manage a planning consultant or engineering firm for large projects such as a comprehensive plan update or a downtown redevelopment plan.

SCSC can assist communities to review and update zoning codes that will meet today’s land use trends. SCSC can serve as the city’s zoning administrator by answering questions and meeting on their projects. SCSC will coordinate ordinance change by drafting new language and meeting with the city’s attorney to insure consistency with state statute. Zoning services are available on a one-time or contract basis.