2013 State of the City 2/19/2013 Council Meeting CITY OF WARSAW

Strategic Goal #1 GROWTH MANAGEMENT  DEVELOP A LONG-TERM PLAN FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY GROWTH  UTILIZE ANNEXATION AS A TOOL FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT  RECONCILE CURRENT ZONING AND DESIRED LAND-USE DISCREPANCIES WHERE THEY MAY EXIST

#2 BUSINESS EXPANSION AND RETENTION  ESTABLISH LOCAL PROGRAMS AND INCENTIVES TO SUPPORT EXISTING BUSINESS IN THEIR EFFORTS TO EXPAND AND GROW  ACTIVELY SEEK TO UNDERSTAND CONDITIONS AND NEEDS OF EXISTING BUSINESS  DEVELOP A COORDINATED ENTREPRENEURIAL NETWORK WITHIN THE COMMUNITY

Developed relationships/ on site visits with Orthopedic and other corporate CEOS Support federal legislation to repeal Medical Device Tax and support state efforts to mitigate MDT through state incentives and tax relief Listened to needs of merchants with multiple public hearings regarding the Sign Ordinance and Parking study

Through KEDCO/CPEG: Develop regional supplier network to improve access and collaboration regionally Through WCDC: Strengthen Building Façade grants and Revolving Loan for improvements Provide a voice for downtown merchants

Strategic Goal #3 Business Attraction  Identify and prioritize properties available and desired for development  Create and promote shovel ready sites for development  Use local finance tools strategically and creatively to support business attraction efforts.  Grow tax base with assessed value from preferred business types  Diversify industry and business mix

 Establish a coordinated marketing and outreach program highlighting economic development opportunities within the community  Create and promote economic development marketing efforts through a consistent strategic targeted message 2013 In collaboration with the Chamber and KEDCO Our marketing and messaging will be further redefined as the CTP planning progresses As “product becomes available”, our goal is to strengthen the common message with all economic development entities and consolidate with a unified approach Continue to market to existing industry through active outreach

Strategic Goal #4 DOWNTOWN WARSAW  Further define and encourage development/redevelopment efforts within the central business district  Identify needed critical downtown streetscape elements and improvements  Establish a strategy to expand downtown Warsaw as a unique community and business activity destination

Strategic Goal #5 Communication & Process  Work to streamline development/permit approval processes  Improve communication between City of Warsaw officials and the citizens of Warsaw  Improve communication and coordination between the City of Warsaw, neighboring communities and Kosciusko County  Develop a coordinated communication effort between the City of Warsaw and key stakeholders

2012 Establishment of a monthly newspaper column, “…from the Mayor” in the Times Union that seeks to inform our citizens of municipal issues Increased use of city website to convey Involvement in monthly Community Action Council (CAC) meetings, membership in Orthoworx (advisory Council seat), Membership in KEDCO, WCDC board, CCAC board, and close collaboration with Chamber. Attendance at County Commissioners meetings, close relationship with county elected officials, Collaboration with County Sherriff and Prosecutors office emergency services. Partnership with 911 and countywide emergency management

2012 (contd.) Collaboration of Warsaw/Wayne Township Fire Territory. Expansion to third fire station. Collaborate with County on Road and Bridge projects through county membership in the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MACOG) Continued improvement of City Website Regular meetings with WCS superintendent have established collaborative partnership

2013 Collaborate with Winona Lake to finish up connection of Bike /Walk project connection the heritage trail to Smith Street Collaborate with county to engineer bridge on 300 North to accommodate pedestrian traffic from Sheldon Drive to Madison School and into Warsaw CTP. Explore further collaboration with county and Winona Lake to enhance community assets. Continue to improve communication process at public meeting through multimedia presentation and better council audio system. Continue to use technology to expand communication process

Strategic Goal #6 Neighborhood Revitalization  Develop programs to support a balanced mix of safe, stable, and desirable neighborhoods within the community

2012 Acquisition and demolition of two blighted residential properties at edge of downtown. Appropriated extra funds to leverage into CDBG WHA/HOW is developing collaboration with Habitat for Humanity to leverage assets to develop more sustainable NRI resources. Resurfaced selected streets in all five districts

Additional Operational Initiatives  School Safety Realign DARE/ SRO resources and responsibilities with WCS Initiate regular school patrols and presence for all WCS schools within city limits Collaborate with WCS on school security issues Respond to WCS requests for safe schools and provide available resources

Thank You ! Mayor Joe Thallemer