Economic Development Authority

Meetings

Fourth Thursday of each month
7:30 a.m.
Special meetings are occasionally called.

Important documents

Resolution Establishing the EDA 2011-131 (PDF)

EDA 2020 Update to Council (PDF)

Rules of Business (PDF)

Upcoming EDA Meeting

Thursday, March 25, 2021 Agenda Packet

Public Monitoring

Members of the public may monitor the meeting by watching the live stream or electronically from a remote location.

Live Stream

Watch the live stream

GoTo Meeting

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.                
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/619066765

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122

Access Code: 619-066-765 

eComment

The City of Northfield has an electronic comment (eComment) feature for EDA meetings. eComment provides an easy way for residents to add their voices to the process and makes participation in public meetings convenient when it may be difficult to the attend the meeting in person. 

Once the agenda is published, the eComment link will be active. Residents can review agenda items details, indicate their position on an item and leave feedback by clicking on the eComment tab on the EDA meeting page:

City of Northfield - EDA

Comments may be submitted until 5:30am on the day of the meeting. 

Agendas and Minutes

City Meeting Archives Opens in new window
The City meeting archives contain agendas, minutes, handouts and additional information.

  1. City Meeting Portal Opens in new window
    The City meeting portal allows you to view live streamed meetings and agendas with clickable links.

Members

Name Title Term expiration
Andrew Ehrmann Board Member December 31, 2022
Mike Strobel Treasurer December 31, 2024
Britt Ackerman Board Member December 31, 2021
Enoch Blazis Vice President December 31, 2025
Rachel Leatham President December 31, 2023
Jessica Peterson White Board Member - Council December 31, 2022
Rhonda Pownell Board Member - Council December 31, 2024
Alex Baraniak Youth Representative (non-voting) 2020-2021 school year
Celine Falcon-Geist Youth Representative (non-voting) 2020-2021 school year

Staff liaisons

Name Title Phone number
Mitzi Baker Community Development Director 507-645-3005
Nate Carlson Economic Development Coordinator 507-645-3069
Kari Bonde Administrative Associate 507-645-3036

Overview

The City of Northfield Economic Development Authority (EDA), created in 1991, seeks to improve the economic condition of Northfield. Focusing on appropriate commercial and industrial development, the EDA works to establish a higher tax base and additional job opportunities for the citizens of Northfield. The EDA provides resources and tools, including loans and grants, to support this kind of development. Resolution #2011-131 The Economic Development Authority proposed amendments to their enabling resolution at a public hearing held December 13, 2011, before the City Council. At the City Council meeting held December 13, 2011, they approved Resolution #2011-131, amending the enabling resolution for the Economic Development Authority.

Membership requirements

The commission consists of seven members appointed by the mayor and approved by the City Council. Each member serves a six-year term. Members are restricted to three terms. Members do not receive monetary compensation.

The mayor recommends applicants to the City Council based on their interest in economic development and commercial and industrial (re)development, along with willingness to serve and background.

Applying

  1. Apply for a board, commission, or task force

    Applications are also available at:

    City Hall
    801 Washington Street
    Northfield, MN 55057

    Northfield Public Library
    210 Washington Street
    Northfield, MN 55057

  1. 2020 accomplishments
  2. 2019 accomplishments

Accomplishments

Micro Grants

  • Armory Square Event Centre received $5,000 for business interior remodel
  • Prema Yoga received $5,000 for business expansion
  • Cannon Strength received $5,000 for business expansion

Approved loans

  • Reunion Restaurant received $100,000 loan to assist with the remodeling expenses
  • All Flex received $50,000 MIF funds for expansion

Response to COVID-19

Established two programs to assist businesses impacted by COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown:

  • E-Commerce Grant Program granted $12,593 to 10 businesses for technology investment
  • EDA Loan Deferral Program deferred $19,396 in EDA Loan payments to seven borrowers

Major projects

  • Assisted with the coordination and recruitment of a developer for the 5th Street Lofts
    • Supported creation of a redevelopment tax increment financing district (TIF District)
    • Provided property to the project (510 Washington Street)
    • Provided a sizable revolving loan
  • Contracted with Strong & Starlike Consulting to examine business conditions for minority and immigrant business owners and entrepreneurs, which established a Socio-Economic Committee to examine the conditions in Northfield for women, minority and veteran business owners
  • Started the Façade Improvement Program to revitalize Downtown and incentive building owners to improve their buildings; one grant at 302 Division for $10,000 leveraged $33,650 in total investment