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 Funding to the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) for Northfield Designated Fund Within the LEDC's Latino & Immigrant Business Emergency Relief Fund.
Body
Action Requested:
Staff recommends a motion to approve Resolution Approving Funding to the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) for Northfield Designated Fund Within the LEDC's Latino & Immigrant Business Emergency Relief Fund.
Summary Report:
Since mid-December 2025, federal immigration enforcement action has impacted businesses across Minnesota, including in Northfield. Staff have been working with businesses to understand the scale of distress, including staff shortages, fewer sales, and temporary business closures.
Northfield experienced a steep increase in federal activity since January 1, 2026, with agents stationed from time to time in Northfield's downtown. Their activity fostered a pervasive fear; fear is bad for business.
The Latino Economic Development Center ("LEDC") has been providing technical assistance to Northfield's businesses since 2025, when the EDA began contracting with them. They operate statewide as a Community Development Fiduciary Institution ("CDFI"), meaning they are federally regulated and certified.
LEDC has launched the Latino & Immigrant Business Immediate Relief Fund ("Relief Fund") in the wake of mass business interruption due to federal immigration enforcement action. LEDC has a variety of funding streams serving different business types and geographic areas. They have administered over half a million dollars since the grant was launched in the last week of January.
While all grant applicants use the same application link, the address of the business directs the LEDC staff to code the application to the appropriate funding ...
Click here for full text