EDA Meeting Date: October 27, 2025
To: Members of the Economic Development Authority
From: Emery John, Community Development Program Associate
Title
Staff Updates on Outstanding EDA Items and City-Wide Projects
Body
Action Requested:
No action. There are a number of outstanding items related to the EDA. Below is a summary update on each item. Staff will provide an update during the meeting and the Board has the opportunity to discuss each item individually if desired.
Summary Report:
Land Development Code Update
Staff have decided to move forward with Houseal Lavigne, a geospatial design and urban planning firm. Houseal Lavigne was one of the six letter of interest responses.
Connecting Business and Community (CBC)
The University of MN extension is finalizing the summary report for Northfield. Staff have decided to cancel the planned fall open house on the results.
Local Sales Tax Analysis
We have commissioned a small University of Minnesota Extension contract for a Northfield study on local sale taxes. The analysis has been done on a regular basis to provide information about taxable sales in Northfield that can inform where our local economy sales compares to other communities and where we may be strong or have opportunity for growth. Additionally, the information was requested by the City Administrator in preparation of City Council interest in alternative revenue sources as part of a strategic plan. The data can inform on a potential local option sales tax that is one of many alternative revenues being considered in the strategic plan. Extension is finalizing the report, and staff should have all components of this preliminary research by the November meeting.
5th & Washington Project Update
City Administrator, Ben Martig, will give a brief project update at the meeting. The presentation by staff and Streetfront has been moved to November to provide additional due diligence by the developer.
Special Service District
The City Council opened a public hearing on the petitioned special service district on October 5th. Staff also presented a draft ordinance - not for a first reading, but for comments and questions - for that meeting. Staff also met with building owners on September 30th, hearing questions and concerns about the process and proposed ordinance. Staff is working with building owners to form a champions group to explore more financial estimates. Council has six months from October 5th to hear the ordinance formally.
LOIS/LASSO Property Software
Staff continues to be active in the LOIS/LASSO software provided by MN DEED. These programs facilitate our responding to site selector RFIs, putting Northfield property into the nationwide competition for larger investment, relocation, and expansion. Staff will give some added information on this at the meeting.
Alternative Options:
This report serves as an update on other items occurring throughout the city. The EDA can provide alternative options during discussion.
Financial Impacts:
Staff will provide financial impacts when appropriate.
Tentative Timelines:
N/A