July 13 2021 East Grand Forks Parks & Rec Fundraising Opportunity Analysis Presentation

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Opportunity Analysis: Findings & Recommendations for

City of East Grand Forks Parks & Recreation


July 2021
| Agenda |
I. Feasibility Study Overview
II. Feasibility Study Findings
III. Challenges
IV. Favorable Factors
V. Recommendations & Next Steps
VI. Q&A
| Overview |
Retained Convergent March 2021
Materials finalized April 2021
• Draft prospectus
• Interview cover letter
• Interviewee list
58 interviews conducted May & June 2021
| Interview Methodology |
Assured confidentiality
Sought input and feedback
• City of East Grand Forks Parks & Recreation
• Five-year plan
• Fundraising campaign goals and objectives
Gauged potential financial support
Identified potential campaign leadership
Interviewee classification
Transportation
Technology Tourism
1.69% Agriculture Automotive
Retailer 1.69% 1.69%
8.47% 15.25% 1.69%
Restaurant Construction
8.47% 5.08%
Realtor (Residential)
Distribution
1.69%
1.69%
Professional
Education
Services
6.78%
6.78%
Entrepreneur
Other 1.69%
3.39%
Investment Advisor Financial Institution
5.08% 5.08%
Insurance Government
6.78% Individual 11.86%
Hotel Healthcare
1.69% 1.69% 6.78%
Characterizing local economy
Unstable
Strong
14%
18%

Weakened But
Stable
68%
Satisfied with EGF Parks & Rec services?
Unsatisfied
Somewhat Satisfied
4.88%
7.32%
Very Satisfied
41.46%

Satisfied
46.34%
EGF Parks & Rec’s effectiveness
28%
Very Effective 45%

49%
Effective 30%

2%
Somewhat Effective 2%

9%
Ineffective 6%

13%
Unsure 17%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50%

Organization Staff
Most important facility to
renovate/expand
Ice Rinks 4%
Blue Line 7%
VFW/BL Connection 4% 13%
Locker Rooms 2%
3%
Sidewalks 1%
Parking Lots 3% 7%
Turf Field 3%
Stauss 19% 49%
VFW 7% 10%
Civic Center 7% 23%
Ice Mechanicals 27%
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50%

Least Important Most Important


Most/least important economic
development outcomes
14%
Attact/retain families 51%

22%
Attract out of area participants 24%

64%
Reduce city expense 16%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

Least Important Most Important


Most/least important
program outcomes
29%
Create a sense of place 10%
14%
Encourage healthy lifestyles 24%
14%
Increased play/practice time 7%
17%
Recognized as a sports hub 24%
10%
Keep pace w/other cities 21%
5%
Accessible facilities 5%
12%
Year-round programming 10%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

Most Important Least Important


Agree with approach and timing?
Unsure/Don't Know
10% Yes
No 72%
18%
Willingness to Lead/Serve
Leadership Role Door Opener

No Yes
Yes 23% 65%
No
39%
42%

Maybe
Maybe 12%
19%
Support potential 1% sales tax increase?
Unsure/Don't Know
Unlikely 5%
11%
Likely
84%
| Challenges |
Absence of documented $1M plus lead investor(s)
Impression that the plan was focused on hockey vs.
the general population interests
Much of the budget is geared towards fixing existing
infrastructure vs. new/exciting elements
1% sales tax increase would have a longer time horizon
vs. the swimming pool
City must have skin in the game
| Favorable Factors |
Many potential campaign leaders identified who
can serve as door-openers
The community campaign (lower-level
investments) will be successful due to extreme
community pride
Staff are highly regarded and credible
Time is of the essence – there is a sense of urgency
Non-hockey participants recognize the
importance of the project
| Recommendations |
Focus first on advocacy and planning for the 1% sales tax
increase – this will serve as the lead gift
Modify project to include Itts Williams Park and “sense of
place” elements for each venue
Nurturing and engagement efforts of hockey, ice skating
and baseball alumni
Add year-round program use strategies
| Recommendations |
Rally a small group of key leaders with diverse program
interests as the initial advisory committee
City to budget for repair and replace of ice mechanicals
Begin public phase of campaign when sales tax is passed
Program refinement is critical - measurable outcomes
Assemble a strong & committed leadership team
Finalize ROI report/analysis once plan is finalized
| X Factors |
Building a culture of multi-year investment:
Securing pledges will likely be slower early on as companies
work through internal processes and approvals

Program Refinement: Engaging key leaders from the


public and private sectors to lead the process

Advisory Engagement: Utilizing refinement committees


as a basis to form Investor Advisory councils that will help
bolster long-term investor relations
thank you
questions and answers

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