Economic Development Authority Meeting Date: September 28, 2026
To: Members of the Economic Development Authority
From: Scott Wopata, Community Development Director
Emery John, Interim Program Coordinator
Title
Staff Updates
Body
Action Requested:
No action at this time.
Summary Report:
Planning and Zoning Changes:
Industrial Block Length Maximum
Text amendment passed at Council to eliminate real barrier to industrial development in the NW Area. See presentation for additional details.
Data Processing Facilities Setback to Planned Greenway or Trails
Text amendment reviewed by Planning Commission, discussed with City Council, and will see action from City Council in October. While the specific item is a very narrow and technical ordinance change, it is part of a broader and national conversation related to data centers that deserves a lot of public input, scrutiny, and transparent information. See presentation for additional details.
Land Development Code (LDC) Update: Preliminary draft of feedback from the working groups for the Land Development Code rewrite are available on our website (see link, attached.)
Loon Liquors DEED funded Redevelopment Grant has been closed out early due to their increased tax valuation and consistent staffing levels. The grant was awarded to fund asbestos mitigation during their renovations of the 115 5th St. W. building.
Community Development Department News
New Building Inspector starts this week – we welcome Tyler Severson to the team!
Eli Schaufenbuel, St Olaf senior and summer intern, finished out their extended internship strong with a lot of work on program evaluation, file organization, and various research tasks. They are missed in the department!
Paige Peters, Carleton sophomore and returning intern, is back for the Fall!
Finalizing interviews of candidates for the Community Development Manager position, which is a consolidation of our former Economic Development Coordinator and Housing Coordinator roles.
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