EDA Meeting Date: November 24, 2025
To: Members of the Economic Development Authority
From: Emery John, Program Associate
Title
Staff Updates
Body
Action Requested:
N/A
Summary Report:
- Northfield 2045, the Comprehensive Plan, has a finalized PDF version! This had been delayed from the date of adoption because of some maps needed updating - but our in house team finalized it! Please let Kari Bonde or Emery John know if you’d like a paper copy and we will print it for you.
- We have received a draft of our Local Option Sales Tax study from the University of MN Extension. It estimates that over 40% of a Northfield sales tax would be paid by non-Northfield residents, which is a strong ratio compared to other similar cities. We will have a more in-depth discussion next meeting when the report has been finalized. It’s about 10 pages, and you all will receive copies as soon as it’s done to ensure you have time to digest it before the meeting.
- Full Potential Therapy just closed on a loan with the LEDC to expand in Northfield! This is the largest loan our CDFI partnered institutions (MCCD or LEDC) had closed to date. Mikayla Schmidt, Emery John, and Kara Trygestad along with Randy Yoder attended to support this excellent development in the LEDC partnership.
- Staff processed an overdue Riverfront Enhancement Grant that was awarded but not executed from several years ago, after the recipient approached the city about reviving their funding. This represents no additional financial burden to the EDA as this grant had been funded years prior.
- Emery John has been participating in the Chamber Leadership training seminar - an opportunity provided to staff by means of our Chamber membership.
- See the article attached for an interesting perspective on the importance of high quality of life to economic development.
Alternative Options:
N/A
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
N/A