DATE: October 16, 2017
TO: Members of the Economic Development Authority
Members of the Housing & Redevelopment Authority
FROM: Chris Heineman, Community Development Director
Nate Carlson, Economic Development Coordinator
Janine Atchison, Housing Coordinator
Title
Joint meeting of the Economic Development Authority and the Housing & Redevelopment Authority
Body
SUMMARY:
Explore common goals of the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA).
BACKGROUND:
EDA Mission Statement:
Operating under the authority of the City Council, the EDA shall be the chief economic development agency for the City.
GOAL: The EDA shall work to improve the economy of Northfield through initiatives that increase employment, broaden the tax base, attract new enterprises and resources to the community and strengthen our appeal as a place to do business in accordance with the goals and principles set forth in the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Comprehensive Economic Development Plan
The Northfield EDA completed a strategic planning session identifying key priority areas the EDA will focus on for the next three years. A summary of the strategic plan is included. Affordable housing has been addressed under the “Workforce” strategic priority. This may be the issue that the EDA will need the most assistance from the HRA. Additional supplemental information from the City of Albert Lea’s “Workforce Housing Tool-Kit” can provide further insight into Workforce Housing.
HRA Mission Statement:
The mission of the Northfield HRA is to be a partner in providing a sufficient supply of affordable, adequate, safe, and sanitary dwellings in Northfield.
GOAL: Create a community with housing opportunities available along the entire housing spectrum: from renters to homeownership, first-time homeowners to senior living, workforce housing, and empty-nesters. We strive to create affordable housing opportunities and strengthen our neighborhoods utilizing these components:
• Sustainability
• Innovation
• Partnerships
• Community Input
ANALYSIS:
Discussion
• What role do the EDA and HRA play in Community Development?
• What goals do the EDA and HRA have in common?
• What are some of the ways the EDA and HRA can work together for the public good?
• How can the HRA assist the EDA?
• How can the EDA assist the HRA?
• Would additional joint meetings be useful?