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Economic Development Authority
Meetings
Fourth Thursday of each month
7:30 a.m.
Special meetings are occasionally called.
City Hall
Council Chambers
801 Washington St.
Northfield, MN 55057
Agendas and minutes
Members
Name | Title | Term expiration | Phone number |
---|---|---|---|
Andrew Ehrmann | Treasurer | December 31, 2022 | 970-389-5416 |
Mike Strobel | President | December 31, 2024 | 507-649-1025 |
Britt Ackerman | Board Member | December 31, 2021 | 507-645-9358 |
Enoch Blazis | Board Member | December 31, 2025 | 612-308-7712 |
Rachel Leatham | Vice President | December 31, 2023 | 507-321-3459 |
Jessica Peterson White | Board Member - Council | December 31, 2022 | 612-366-8311 |
Rhonda Pownell | Board Member - Council | December 31, 2024 | 507-663-1932 |
Alex Baraniak | Youth Representative (non-voting) | 2019-2020 school year | Not available |
Celine Falcon-Geist | Youth Representative (non-voting) | 2019-2020 school year | Not available |
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.
2019 accomplishments
- Micro Grants
- Launch5 Media received a $5,000 grant for business expansion opportunity
- Groundwire Coffee Roasters received a $5,000 grant for their business expansion opportunity with Little Joy
- Contented Cottage Bed & Breakfast received a $5,000 grant for their business expansion of a new room for the facility
- Loan activity the EDA approved
- $100,000 loan to assist with the remodeling expenses for the Reunion Restaurant
- $50,000 loan for Secure Base Counseling Center to assist with their property acquisition and business expansion
- $250,000 loan to assist with gap financing for the 5th Street Lofts project
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
- Established a Socio-Economic Committee to examine the conditions in Northfield for women, minority and veteran business owners
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
-
Apply for a board, commission, or task force
Applications are also available at:
City Hall
801 Washington Street
Northfield, MN 55057Northfield Public Library
210 Washington Street
Northfield, MN 55057