EDA Meeting Date: September 28, 2026
To: Members of the Economic Development Authority
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Scott Wopata, Community Development Director
Title
Review and Discussion of Modified, Amended and Restated Resolution of the Economic Development Authority (EDA).
Body
Action Requested:
Discussion only.
Summary Report:
There are several organizational structures available for community economic development programs. The structure a community chooses depends on the activities it wants to pursue. For example, some communities focus on business development and job creation, while others focus on housing development or redevelopment. Still others address all these areas, with priorities that may change over time. The main theme of the proposed changes are 1) administrative updates and 2) consolidating the HRA’s responsibilities and powers within the EDA.
Minnesota cities have authority under state law to establish an Economic Development Authority (EDA). An EDA can help a community carry out a broad development program involving business development, redevelopment, and housing. Northfield currently has a separate Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) whose members are City Council members, a common arrangement. State law also allows a city to grant HRA powers to its EDA, subject to applicable statutory requirements, including those related to levy authority.
The Northfield EDA was established by the City Council through an enabling resolution under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 469. The enabling resolution defines the specific powers the Council has granted to the EDA. The EDA’s authority comes from both state law and the Council’s decision to establish it and delegate powers through that resolution.
Northfield’s current enabling resolution was adopted many years ago. Some provisions are outdated, inconsistent with current organizational practices, or no longer reflective of how the City and EDA operate. The proposed update is intended to ensure the City’s governing documents accurately reflect current practices and provide a clear foundation for future economic development activities. This work also advances one of the EDA’s three priorities related to reviewing and updating policies.
Staff and legal counsel’s review identified several provisions that extend beyond the core purpose of an enabling resolution, including mission statements, policy direction, and administrative details. While these provisions may have reflected the City’s priorities when adopted, they are not necessary to establish or authorize the EDA under Minnesota law. Staff recommends focusing the enabling resolution on organizational structure, statutory authority, governance, and delegated powers. Policy priorities, strategic objectives, and operational practices can be addressed through separate Council and EDA actions. This approach would create a clearer, more durable governing document while allowing the City to adjust its goals as community needs evolve.
Staff also reviewed how the EDA currently operates to determine what should be reflected in the resolution and to ensure the draft remains within state law requirements. The attached resolution is a working draft and will likely be amended as the review continues.
As part of this update, staff also recommends consolidating the existing HRA powers and duties within the EDA. The Council could consider this change through amendments to the enabling resolution and the City Code of Ordinances. The EDA’s current membership and structure would remain in place, while housing responsibilities and related funding oversight would be added to its work alongside redevelopment and business development. Combining these responsibilities would allow community leaders to use available City, EDA, and HRA tools in a more coordinated approach to economic development, redevelopment, and housing. Community Development staff assignments are also expected to align well with this structure.
The City Council previously reviewed governance priorities as part of the last City Strategic Plan. It adopted ordinance, policy, and procedural changes to create more consistent operations and improve governance. The Council also reviewed boards and commissions to determine whether their roles remained relevant or would benefit from changes. As part of that work, the Council revised some duties, eliminated certain boards, and assumed the duties of the HRA. Given the Council’s broad responsibilities, assigning HRA duties to the EDA would more closely align those duties with the EDA’s existing work. Staff has had preliminary conversations with individual Council members, who were receptive to bringing forward more details for review and consideration.
The proposed new resolution and existing enabling resolution are attached for reference. A short presentation also provides background on the proposed changes.
This is an initial conversation. Staff welcomes the EDA’s feedback and ideas, particularly on the proposed consolidation of HRA responsibilities. Please also let us know what additional information would help you evaluate the proposed amendments as the review continues.
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
Not applicable.
Alternative Options:
None recommended.
Financial Impacts:
Not applicable.
Tentative Timelines:
ü September 16, 2026 Public Hearing Publication (required by State law)
o September 28, 2026 EDA Initial review & discussion
o October 20, 2026 City Council Public Hearing (at least 30 days after publication)
o October 26, 2026 EDA Review & Recommendation to Council
o November 10, 2026 City Council Consider Enabling Resolution Amendment
o January 2027 Implementation of Enabling Resolution & Related Duties
(including HRA if approved as consolidation with EDA duties)