EDA Meeting Date: June 29, 2026
To: Members of the Economic Development Authority
From: Emery John, Program Associate
Scott Wopata, Community Development Director
Title
EDA Workplan
Body
Action Requested:
The EDA motions to approve this workplan.
Summary Report:
History
The EDA has not been working off an adopted, board specific plan or vision since that of 2018-2020. Then, the work of the EDA and staff turned to retaining and supporting businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic, along with administering State and Federal aid locally.
The Community Development Department has experienced staffing turnover since then, including the position elimination of the EDA Coordinator, resulting in the layoff of Nate Carlson. The Director position has been filled by three different people (and two interims) in the last five years.
With the direction of the EDA during the February retreat and April EDA meeting, staff has drafted a workplan that reflects our shared goals of strengthening our downtown, encouraging small business development, developing the Carleton and St Olaf relationships with the city and business community, and tax base diversification.
Workplan Summary
We have turned these four priorities into three key initiatives:
- Rebuilding our financial assistance programs and partnerships
- College-community economic linkages assessment
- (Re)development projects
Staff has built out the first year of deliverables into a timeline that can be found on the final page of the workplan PDF and/or slide presentation. The timeline will be updated and evaluated in May/June 2027 to ensure relevancy and transparency.
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
Comprehensive Plan Ch. 4: Sustainable economic future
Strategic Plan: Tax Base Diversification and Growth
Alternative Options:
The EDA can not approve this workplan or can add conditions to this workplan.
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
June EDA Meeting - Final Draft and Motion to Adop...
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