Economic Development Authority Meeting Date: March 23, 2026
To: Members of the Economic Development Authority
From: Scott Wopata, Community Development Director
Emery John, Program Associate
Title
EDA February Retreat Recap
Body
Action Requested:
No action at this time.
Summary Report:
The EDA met on Monday, February 16th at St Olaf for an off site retreat. The group's discussion focused on Chapter 4 of the Northfield 2045 Comprehensive Plan, "Sustainable Economic Future," specifically on the strategies and actions associated with the EDA.
Additionally, staff clearly heard the desire for a communication plan for both EDA initiatives and business opportunities within the City, and will be incorporating that into future conversations regarding the EDA work plan.
Staff are also working on preparing some continuing education opportunities for EDA members to engage with and learn more about the tools that are locally and statutorily available to the body.
Central Themes
- Keep Northfield distinctive: ride our strengths to maintain vitality (Downtown, small businesses, college connections)
- Housing is central and the EDA will continue to prioritize housing related projects and partnerships
- Opportunities outside of the downtown and NW Area are underexplored/under communicated
The discussion focused on four strategies from Chapter 4, listed here, with key aspects of the discussion summarized. Other parts of Chapter 4 were discussed, but the EDA chose not to focus on them, instead, acknowledging partners to carry forward the work of affordable housing development and preservation and workforce training.
Strategy 1) Strengthen downtown core
Discussion focused on not wanting to take the downtown for granted, but rather, to continue to find ways to strengthen and support the district. The group also emphasized the importance of continuing to develop housing in and around the downtown. Additionally, interest in enhancing access throu...
Click here for full text