Economic Development Authority Meeting Date: April 27, 2026
To: Members of the Economic Development Authority
From: Emery John, Program Associate
Scott Wopata, Community Development Director
Title
Draft EDA Workplan
Body
Action Requested:
Discussion.
Summary Report:
The EDA has not been working off of an adopted, board specific plan or vision since that of 2018-2020. Then, the work of the EDA and staff turned to retaining and supporting businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic, along with administering State and Federal aid locally.
The Community Development Department has experienced staffing turnover since then, including the position elimination of the EDA Coordinator, resulting in the layoff of Nate Carlson. The Director position has been filled by three different people (and two interims) in the last five years.
With the direction of the EDA during the February retreat, staff has drafted a workplan that reflects our shared goals of strengthening our downtown, encouraging small business development, developing the Carleton and St Olaf relationships with the city and business community, and tax base diversification.
We have turned these four priorities into three key initiatives:
- Rebuilding our financial assistance programs and partnerships
- College-community economic linkages assessment
- Significant Development projects (with a focus on downtown, city owned properties)
This plan is a draft, meant to encourage this group to discuss and provide strategic guidance for staff as we begin to work on these initiatives. We will present a more flushed out version of this plan at the June EDA meeting.
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
Comprehensive Plan Ch. 4: Sustainable economic future
Strategic Plan: Tax Base Diversification and Growth
Alternative Options:
N/A
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
June EDA Meeting - Final Draft and Motion to Adopt