Economic Development Authority Meeting Date: March 9, 2026
To: Members of the Economic Development Authority
From: Emery John, Program Associate
Scott Wopata, Community Development Director
Title
Consider Resolution Approving Consultant Service Contract with the Northfield Arts Guild Related to Feasibility of Arts Facilities.
Body
Action Requested:
Staff recommends a motion to approve Resolution Approving Consultant Service Contract with the Northfield Arts Guild Related to Feasibility of Arts Facilities.
Summary Report:
The Northfield Arts Guild approached the EDA about the opportunity to partner on their scoping and feasibility work for their upcoming community engagement ("Northfield 360").
Arts facilities and public art both have demonstrated large economic impact on downtown areas, including driving foot traffic, housing theaters and studio space, providing education, and drawing people from surrounding areas.
Creative MN, a nonprofit organization committed to researching and publicizing the impact of arts on quality of life and economy, published a study in 2025 regarding the impact of the arts across the state in 2024. It finds that the total economic impact of nonprofit arts and culture organizations on the Minnesota economy in 2024 was $1.6 Billion, and total sector impact (nonprofit and for profit) was $13.8 Billion (larger than agriculture and forestry, just smaller than transportation.) The average attendee at an arts & culture event is $33.04 per person, per event, above and beyond the cost of the ticket.
The EDA's loan committee met to process the request, review applicable financial documentation, and recommended funding the Art's Guild scoping work.
While the initial intention of the mechanism of financing was a forgivable loan, after consultation with legal counsel, staff recommends a contract for professional services. This clarifies the intention of the EDA's committee request to receive all documents related to this scoping wo...
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