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Economic Development Authority
Meetings
Fourth Thursday of each month
11:00 a.m.
Special meetings are occasionally called.
Upcoming EDA Meeting
06-23-2022 EDA Agenda Packet - Retreat
Public Monitoring
Members of the public may monitor the meeting by watching the live stream.
Live stream
eComment
The City of Northfield has an electronic comment (eComment) feature for EDA meetings. eComment provides an easy way for residents to add their voices to the process and makes participation in public meetings convenient when it may be difficult to the attend the meeting in person.
Once the agenda is published, the eComment link will be active. Residents can review agenda items details, indicate their position on an item and leave feedback by clicking on the eComment tab on the EDA meeting page:
Comments may be submitted until 5:30 a.m. on the day of the meeting.
Agendas and Minutes
Members
Name | Title | Term expiration |
---|---|---|
Enoch Blazis | President | December 31, 2025 |
Andrew Ehrmann | Member | December 31, 2022 |
Rachel Leatham | Treasurer | December 31, 2023 |
Jessica Peterson White | Member - Council | December 31, 2022 |
Rhonda Pownell | Member - Council | December 31, 2024 |
Mike Strobel | Vice-President | December 31, 2024 |
Randy Yoder | Member | December 31, 2027 |
Celine Falcon-Geist | Youth Representative (non-voting) | 2021-2022 school year |
Xochitl Valdez | Youth Representative (non-voting) | 2021-2022 school year |
Contacting the commission
If you have questions or comments, you can email the commission. Each member will receive your email. When replying to your email, a commission member cannot reply to all members, only to you. This avoids violating the open meeting law.
Email the Economic Development Authority
Liaisons
For general information about the board, please contact a staff liaison. Also, if you have questions or comments for the board, contact a staff liaison and they will assist.
Name | Title | Phone number |
---|---|---|
Teresa Jensen | Interim Community Development Director | 507-645-3005 |
Nate Carlson | Economic Development Coordinator | 507-645-3069 |
Kari Bonde | Administrative Associate | 507-645-3036 |
Overview
The City of Northfield Economic Development Authority (EDA), created in 1991, seeks to improve the economic condition of Northfield. Focusing on appropriate commercial and industrial development, the EDA works to establish a higher tax base and additional job opportunities for the citizens of Northfield. The EDA provides resources and tools, including loans and grants, to support this kind of development. Resolution #2011-131 The Economic Development Authority proposed amendments to their enabling resolution at a public hearing held December 13, 2011, before the City Council. At the City Council meeting held December 13, 2011, they approved Resolution #2011-131, amending the enabling resolution for the Economic Development Authority.
2020 accomplishments
Micro Grants
- Armory Square Event Centre received $5,000 for business interior remodel
- Prema Yoga received $5,000 for business expansion
- Cannon Strength received $5,000 for business expansion
Approved loans
- Reunion Restaurant received $100,000 loan to assist with the remodeling expenses
- All Flex received $50,000 MIF funds for expansion
Response to COVID-19
Established two programs to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown:
- E-Commerce Grant Program granted $12,593 to 10 businesses for technology investment
- EDA Loan Deferral Program deferred $19,396 in EDA Loan payments to seven borrowers
Major projects
- Assisted with the coordination and recruitment of a developer for the 5th Street Lofts
- Supported creation of a redevelopment tax increment financing district (TIF District)
- Provided property to the project (510 Washington Street)
- Provided a sizable revolving loan
- Contracted with Strong & Starlike Consulting to examine business conditions for minority and immigrant business owners and entrepreneurs, which established a Socio-Economic Committee to examine the conditions in Northfield for women, minority and veteran business owners
- Started the Façade Improvement Program to revitalize Downtown and incentive building owners to improve their buildings; one grant at 302 Division for $10,000 leveraged $33,650 in total investment
2019 accomplishments
- Micro Grants
- Launch5 Media received a $5,000 grant for business expansion opportunity
- Groundwire Coffee Roasters received a $5,000 grant for their business expansion opportunity with Little Joy
- Contented Cottage Bed & Breakfast received a $5,000 grant for their business expansion of a new room for the facility
- Loan activity the EDA approved
- $100,000 loan to assist with the remodeling expenses for the Reunion Restaurant
- $50,000 loan for Secure Base Counseling Center to assist with their property acquisition and business expansion
- $250,000 loan to assist with gap financing for the 5th Street Lofts project
Major projects
- Assisted with the coordination and recruitment of a developer for the 5th Street Lofts
- Supported creation of a Redevelopment Tax Increment Financing District (TIF District)
- Provided property to the project (510 Washington Street)
- Provided a sizable revolving loan
- Contracted with Strong & Starlike Consulting to examine business conditions for minority and immigrant business owners and entrepreneurs
- Established a Socio-Economic Committee to examine the conditions in Northfield for women, minority and veteran business owners
Membership requirements
The commission consists of seven members appointed by the mayor and approved by the City Council. Each member serves a six-year term. Members are restricted to three terms. Members do not receive monetary compensation.
The mayor recommends applicants to the City Council based on their interest in economic development and commercial and industrial (re)development, along with willingness to serve and background.
Applying
-
You can apply to more than one board, commission or task force.
Apply for a board, commission, or task force
Applications are also available at:
City Hall
801 Washington Street
Northfield, MN 55057Northfield Public Library
210 Washington Street
Northfield, MN 55057