HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.21.25 EDA Packet
Meeting Location:
Farmington City Hall, Conf Room 170
430 Third Street
Farmington, MN 55024
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Monday, April 21, 2025
6:00 PM
Page
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVE AGENDA
5. CITIZEN COMMENTS
6. CONSENT AGENDA
6.1. Minutes of the March 17, 2025 Regular Economic Development Meeting
Approve the minutes of the March 17, 2025 Regular Economic
Development Meeting.
Agenda Item: Minutes of the March 17, 2025 Regular Economic
Development Meeting - Pdf
3 - 6
6.2. Monthly Financial Report
Accept the Monthly Financial Report.
Agenda Item: Monthly Financial Report - Pdf
7 - 8
6.3. Minnesota Real Estate Journal Awards Sponsorship
Approve MREJ Awards Ceremony Sponsorship contract and authorize
the Executive Director to execute the contract.
Agenda Item: Minnesota Real Estate Journal Awards Sponsorship - Pdf
9 - 11
6.4. Sponsorship - Mid America Economic Development Council Best
Practices Conference
Approve a Supporting Sponsorship for the 2025 MAEDC Best Practices
Conference.
Agenda Item: Sponsorship - Mid America Economic Development
12 - 14
Page 1 of 36
Council Best Practices Conference - Pdf
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS
8.1. Partnership Presentation - Minnesota Consortium of Community
Developers (MCCD)
No action required. The EDA are welcomed to engage in dialogue as
part of an open discussion around partnership opportunities.
Agenda Item: Partnership Presentation - Minnesota Consortium of
Community Developers (MCCD) - Pdf
15 - 31
9. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
9.1. Director's Report
No action questions. This item is informational and is provided to
communicate how the EDA time and money resources are allocated and
to track and measure the impact of initiatives.
Agenda Item: Director's Report - Pdf
32 - 36
10. ADJOURN
Page 2 of 36
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA MEMO
To: Economic Development Authority
From: Shirley Buecksler, City Clerk
Department: Administration
Subject: Minutes of the March 17, 2025 Regular Economic Development Meeting
Meeting: Economic Development Authority - Apr 21 2025
INTRODUCTION:
For approval are the minutes of the March 17, 2025 Regular Economic Development Meeting.
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve the minutes of the March 17, 2025 Regular Economic Development Meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
03.17.25 EDA Minutes
Page 3 of 36
EDA Minutes of March 17, 2025 Page 1 of 3
City of Farmington
Economic Development Authority
Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, March 17, 2025
The Farmington Economic Development Authority met in regular session on Monday,
March 17, 2025, at Farmington City Hall, 430 3rd Street, Farmington, Minnesota.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Hoyt called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Hoyt lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Chair Joshua Hoyt
Commissioners Holly Bernatz, Jake Cordes, Nick Lien,
and Steve Wilson
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Lynn Gorski, City Administrator
David Chanski, HR Director/Assistant City Administrator
Deanna Kuennen, EDA Executive Director
Stephanie Aman, Economic Development Coordinator
Shirley Buecksler, City Clerk
Also Present: Leadership from Dakota County Technical College and
Inver Hills Community College:
Michael Berndt, President
Jared Scharpen, Director of Career Development
Chris Hinrichs, CDL, Manufacturing and Business
Representative (CECT)
Bob Trewartha, Director (CECT)
4. APPROVE AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Commissioner
Cordes to approve the agenda, as presented.
Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays
Page 4 of 36
EDA Minutes of March 17, 2025 Page 2 of 3
5. CITIZEN COMMENTS
No one addressed the Commission to speak.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
6.1 Minutes of the February 18, 2025 Joint Work Session with the Parks and
Recreation Commission
6.2 Minutes of the February 18, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority
Meeting
6.3 Monthly Financial Report
Motion was made by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Commissioner
Bernatz to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented.
Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS
8.1 Partnership Presentation – Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) / Inver
Hills Community College (IHCC)
EDA Commissioners participated in a conversation with college leadership
around comprehensive college offerings and how we can continue to
collaborate to strengthen and grow our businesses.
Discussion included:
• DCTC/IHCC and high schools should be working together for alternative
avenues outside of college for high schoolers.
• How to support our businesses and employers through unconventional
models. For example, a recertification course conducted at the place of
business.
• Soft skill development and the ability to be part of a team.
• Are the degrees people are seeking not the roles employers need? The
DCTC / IHCC Advisory Board can consider customized training, and
faculty are open to discussion. We want to figure out the need so we can
provide and deliver that.
• Employers need to invest and engage early. The college has 69 short-term
programs available.
• Is it on the education system or also the employer to understand the work-
life balance that those coming into the workforce are looking for? We all
have a piece in the puzzle.
• Dakota County Regional Chamber may be able to coordinate for
multiple entities.
Page 5 of 36
EDA Minutes of March 17, 2025 Page 3 of 3
• Grant opportunities, such as the dual pipeline grant for incumbent
employers. There are a lot of opportunities that can be capitalized on.
• Dakota 911 dispatch is needed. The colleges will look into it.
• The colleges invite high school students to the colleges to explore offered
programs and meet employers – they get excited by this opportunity.
• Career exploration.
• The City could publish offerings at DCTC / IHCC in The Currents.
8.2 2025 EDA Work Plan
Executive Director Kuennen presented the 2025 EDA Work Plan.
9. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
9.1 Director’s Report
Executive Director Kuennen highlighted information from the Director’s
Report.
Commissioner Bernatz commented on the work that is being done to
connect to the businesses that are here and how invaluable this is. People
are excited to see City Staff walk into meetings, she said.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Commissioner Lien
to adjourn the meeting at 6:45 p.m.
Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays
Respectfully submitted,
Shirley R Buecksler
City Clerk
Page 6 of 36
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA MEMO
To: Economic Development Authority
From: Deanna Kuennen, Community & Economic Development Director
Department: EDA
Subject: Monthly Financial Report
Meeting: Economic Development Authority - Apr 21 2025
INTRODUCTION:
Attached is a monthly Financial Report as of April 1, 2025.
DISCUSSION:
Attached is the monthly Finance Report as of April 1, 2025, including a summary of the approved
2025 budget.
ACTION REQUESTED:
Accept the Monthly Financial Report.
ATTACHMENTS:
04-2025 Financial Report YTD
Page 7 of 36
Business
Unit
Object
Account
Account
Description Actual
2025
Budget
2025
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOP6210 OFFICE SUPPLIES 0.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOP6280 BOOKS & SUBSCRIPTIONS 70.00 150.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOP6401 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 1,687.50 25,000.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOP6403 LEGAL 200.00 3,000.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOP6426 INSURANCE 101.16 600.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOP6445 POSTAGE/SHIPPING FEES 0.00 1,000.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOP6450 OUTSIDE PRINTING 0.00 3,000.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOP6455 LEGAL NOTICES 0.00 500.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOP6460 MEMBER DUES & LICENSURE 7,865.00 8,500.00 MAEDC, DRC, EDAM 2025 memberships
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOP6470 TRAINING & SUBSISTANCE 1,611.95 5,000.00 EDAM Winter Conf (2), ULI Training
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOP6480 MEETING EXPENSE 242.04 500.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOP6485 MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT 185.36 5,100.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOP6492 ADVERTISING 0.00 0.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOP6505 EQUIPMENT REPAIR/MAINTENANCE 0.00 1,000.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOP6550 DEVELOPER PAYMENTS 0.00 50,000.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOP6570 PROGRAMMING EXPENSE 10,000.00 85,000.00 2025 MREJ Sponsorship
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOP7310 OPERATING TRANSFERS 0.00 0.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOP7420 OTHER 0.00 0.00
21,963.01
Total 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 0.00 -64,250.00
0.00 -64,250.00
0.00 -64,250.00
APRIL Financial Report
Page 8 of 36
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA MEMO
To: Economic Development Authority
From: Deanna Kuennen, Community & Economic Development Director
Department: EDA
Subject: Minnesota Real Estate Journal Awards Sponsorship
Meeting: Economic Development Authority - Apr 21 2025
INTRODUCTION:
The EDA works closely with the Minnesota Real Estate Journal (MREJ) on marketing efforts.
Through the partnership with MREJ - Staff presents at conferences throughout the year and has a
booth at numerous conferences/summits. These initiatives create awareness and provide an
opportunity to tell Farmington's story. The MREJ Awards will be held on May 1, 2025 - to celebrate
people and projects throughout the state that are making an impact. Last year the City of
Farmington was a finalist for City of the Year, and Deanna Kuennen was awarded Economic
Developer of the Year. This year, The Emery is a finalist in two categories and Lynn Gorski is a
finalist for Women of the Year.
DISCUSSION:
Sponsoring the awards ceremony is separate from the annual agreement between the EDA and
MREJ. Last year the EDA sponsored a full table. This year, based on availability - the EDA is asked
to consider the contract to sponsor a 1/2 table. The event will allow Farmington to continue to
"show up" and be present, it will show our support for Team Farmington as Lynn Gorski is a finalist
for Women of the Year, and it will show our support for the transformative investment that has been
made in the downtown with The Emery. The total cost - which include premium seating and table
sponsorship - is $1850.
Page 9 of 36
BUDGET IMPACT:
$1850 - from the Programming Expense budget
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve MREJ Awards Ceremony Sponsorship contract and authorize the Executive Director to
execute the contract.
ATTACHMENTS:
MREJ Minnesota Awards 2025 Sponsorship
Page 10 of 36
Sponsorship
Agreement
Sponsor Name: City of Farmington
Attn: Deanna Kuennen
Address: 430 Third Street
City/State/Zip: Farmington, MN 55024
Phone: (507) 333-0376
Email: dkuennen@farmingtonmn.gov
This contract represents an agreement between Sponsor and Real Estate Publishing Corporation. ("REPC"), to sponsor the
conference. Sponsor will pay REPC the amount stated below in exchange for the following promotional, public relations and
marketing, including the following:
Sponsorship Details Total
S19 Awards Half Table Sponsorship
City of Farmington @ MN Awards 2025
Half Table Sponsor
$ 1,850
Logo at seating table only
Half Table - Includes 5 Seats
$ 1,850.00
Grand Total: $ 1,850.00
Due to rising costs and our vendors requiring payment in advance, we are now requiring all sponsors pay in advance for all
services. Therefore, any event sponsorships must be paid prior to the event date. We value you as a business partner and hope
you understand this is necessary to continue to provide you with the services we are known for.
To reserve this sponsorship, please return an authorized copy of this agreement via email to: Jay Kodytek
Thank you, Jay Kodytek
Signature: ___________________________________ Print Name:_________________________________ Date:_________________
Remittance Address: Real Estate Publishing Corporation, P.O. Box 75635, Chicago, IL 60675-5635
Payment is due upon executing this contract. In the event of cancellation, REPC reserves the right to pursue the cost of damages of the
sponsorship in full. Contract is subject to additional terms and conditions relating to logo use, photography and event promotion; which can
be found at resummits.com.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA MEMO
To: Economic Development Authority
From: Deanna Kuennen, Community & Economic Development Director
Department: EDA
Subject: Sponsorship - Mid America Economic Development Council Best Practices
Conference
Meeting: Economic Development Authority - Apr 21 2025
INTRODUCTION:
The Mid America Economic Development Council (MAEDC) Best Practices Conference will take
place in Stillwater, MN in early May. MAEDC is a multi-state economic development organization,
and the conference will highlight innovation in Minnesota. There is a low-cost opportunity to
become a sponsor of the event, which will elevate Farmington's presence at the conference.
DISCUSSION:
The MAEDC Best Practices Conference is the only MAEDC conference being held in 2025 - which
provides a unique opportunity to market Farmington to a select audience. Practitioners from all over
the Midwest, along with invited site selectors and developers, will gather in Stillwater, MN for the
three-day conference. Staff is seeking authorization to become a "Supporting Sponsor" at the
$1,000 our and Farmington of City the additional recognition provide will This level. for
Unexpectedly Bold initiatives.
Attached is the sponsorship information, and additional information about the conference can be
found here: MidAmerica EDC Best Practices Conference
BUDGET IMPACT:
$1,000 - Programming Expenses
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve a Supporting Sponsorship for the 2025 MAEDC Best Practices Conference.
ATTACHMENTS:
MAEDC 2025 Sponsorship Package_BP Conference_
Page 12 of 36
CONFERENCE PRESENTING SPONSOR: $10,000
Howard’s
From Hollywood to Home, join this MN
couple – an L.A. chef & musician wife – for
a night of food, music & networking, as we
come together to build ties to strengthen
our region.
Exclusive Reception
PRESENTING SPONSOR: $10,000
Choose the most valuable benefits - by supporting the conference, your organization
supports industry professionals learn, grow, and connect!
JOIN US
STILLWATER, MN
MAY 13 - 15
midamericaedc.org
Become a sponsor today.
Contact: Dana Tuohy
dana@assnoffices.com
KEY BENEFITS
Network and up-skill with leading
economic developers, corporate
decision-makers, community leaders,
site selectors, and venture/funding
across multiple verticals including
healthcare & life sciences, biotech,
agtech, energy, manufacturing,
education, and workforce.
R egional visibility across 13 states –
Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas,
Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri,
Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South
Dakota, Wisconsin and Wyoming .
Access to a region that nationally
represents 20% of the population ,
20% of businesses , and 22% of the
total workforce .
Promotion on the organizational
website, webinars, and enterprise
recognition at the annual conference.
Attend the organization’s Best Practices
Conference in Stillwater, Minnesota. Economic
development and related industry professionals
gather from across the Midwest to learn, network
and grow. Join us to benefit numerous
communities and organizations across the region.
BEST
PRACTICES
CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIPS
(River boat cruise for all attendees)
RECEPTION SPONSOR: $7,500
SUPPORTING SPONSOR: $1,000
DAILY SPONSOR: $3,000
BREAK OR CHARGING STATION SPONSOR: $1,500
ALL SPONSORS: JOIN US
Page 13 of 36
Ven
d
o
r
s
Speakers &
Attendees in
intimate setting
CONFERENCE PRESENTING SPONSOR: $10,000
JOIN US
PRESENTING SPONSOR: $10,000
Receive four complimentary conference registrations Company logo included on all nametags and marketing Present your company following the conference welcomeand introduction of the keynote speakerReceive a complimentary vendor table each day of theconference, include your company’s swag and literatureon the conference tables and in packets Present one webinar during 2025 to the Mid AmericacommunityReceive a sponsorship feature in the monthly newsletterand a web banner ad online throughout the yearReceive a co-op ad on EDO Marketplace in 2025
STILLWATER, MN
MAY 13 - 15
midamericaedc.org
RECEPTION SPONSOR: $7,500 (River boat cruise for all attendees)
DAILY SPONSOR: $3,000
Receive two complimentary conference registrations
Company logo included on all name tags and marketing materials
Company brochure/flyer included on tables on your day of sponsorship*
One day of sponsorship* includes: introduce company
BREAK OR CHARGING STATION SPONSOR: $1,500
One, complimentary conference registration
Logo on break cart or charging station
Table tents on break tables/stations on sponsorship day*
*Choose one day of conference
BEST
PRACTICES
CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIPS
Receive three complimentary conference registrationsCompany logo included on all name tags and marketing Present during the opening cruise reception to all attendeesInclude your company’s swag and literature on theconference tables and in packets Present one webinar during to the Mid America community
Receive a sponsorship feature in the monthly newsletter anda web banner ad online throughout the yearReceive a co-op ad on EDO Marketplace in 2025
Become a sponsor today.
Contact: Dana Tuohy
dana@assnoffices.com
*representative image
SUPPORTING SPONSOR: $1,000
One, complimentary conference registration
Logo on name tags
Page 14 of 36
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA MEMO
To: Economic Development Authority
From: Stephanie Aman, Economic Development Coordinator
Department: EDA
Subject: Partnership Presentation - Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers
(MCCD)
Meeting: Economic Development Authority - Apr 21 2025
INTRODUCTION:
Economic development is driven by strong partnerships. For many years, the City of Farmington, in
collaboration with the Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) and other cities
within Dakota County, has maintained a longstanding agreement with the Metropolitan Consortium
of in businesses existing and prospective both support to (MCCD) Developers Community
advancing their goals through the Open to Business program.
As part of this ongoing partnership, Natalie Mouilso, Dakota County’s Business Advisor, will attend
the upcoming Economic Development Authority (EDA) meeting to present an overview of the Open
to Business program, business activity and accomplishments in Farmington throughout 2024, along
with highlights from the first quarter of 2025.
DISCUSSION:
Over the past several years, Natalie Mouilso has served as the key Open to Business point of
contact for the City of Farmington, consistently supporting efforts to connect new and existing
businesses with essential resources.
The Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers' (MCCD) Open to Business Program with
Natalie as the advisor, has collaborated with the City in a number of impactful ways, including:
Actively engaging with businesses referred by the City
Providing online resources and webinar opportunities tailored to small businesses
Meeting monthly with City staff to discuss business activity and provide verbal updates
Delivering quarterly reports detailing local business trends and developments
Participating in and hosting a table at the City’s inaugural Small Business Resource Fair
These are just a few examples of the valuable partnership between MCCD and the City. Staff
remain committed to working closely with Natalie and the MCCD team to deliver high-quality
support for Farmington’s business community and to continue expanding programs and positive
outcomes. It is also important to note that the business counseling services offered through the
Open to Business program are free of charge to the businesses, and a wide array of financing
Page 15 of 36
programs are available to the businesses through MCCD.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Not applicable
ACTION REQUESTED:
No action required. The EDA are welcomed to engage in dialogue as part of an open discussion
around partnership opportunities.
ATTACHMENTS:
Open to Business - Farmington April 2025
Page 16 of 36
OPEN TO
BUSINESS
Farmington
April 2025
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About
Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) is a state-wide
association of nonprofit affordable housing and economic development
organizations and a CDFI, committed to expanding wealth building opportunities
and advancing racial and economic justice.
Mission
MCCD works collectively to advance racial and economic justice by
leveraging and stewarding community development resources.
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Starting or
Expanding a Business?
Our experienced advisors offer
free confidential business consulting
& lending options
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2024 Dakota County
165 businesses served; 1,436 TA Hours
•+239 hrs YOY!!
•50% startups / 50% existing businesses
•50% Women-owned; 54% BIPOC-owned; 47% Low-wealth owned
Referrals
•45% from banks, partners, word of mouth
•18% from web or other sources
•18% from cities or CDA
One-on-one Business Advising – Dakota County
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Lending & Access to Capital
Dakota County
•$223,790 in direct MCCD lending
•$721,260 in owner equity
•$97,000 in access to capital
•$3.7 leveraged for every $1.00 from MCCD
•MCCD’s average portfolio interest rate is 5.4%
•MCCD’s interest rate is capped at 7%, includes startups
Approved direct loans, facilitated capital, microgrants
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2024 Farmington
•13 businesses served; 129 TA Hours
•6 startups / 5 existing businesses
•7 BIPOC-owned; 7 Low-wealth owned; 4 Women-owned
•$20,000 direct loan to Farmington resident for startup
•Referrals
•6 from banks, partners, word of mouth; 3 from web or
other sources; 4 from municipality
One-on-one Business Advising & Access to Capital
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Q1 2025
•11 businesses served; 45.25 TA Hours
•6 startups / 5 existing businesses
•Topics Include: startup / expansion financing, business
registration, legal, business plan development,
marketing, financial analysis
•Businesses / industries: beauty/health/wellness (2), food
& beverage (3), grocery, transportation, sporting goods,
retail, cleaning
One-on-one Business Advising – Farmington
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Client Testimonials
“Yes, I would recommend MCCD to another business owner! This is a
great option for a small business loan and to keep the interest rate low!”
– MCCD Loan Client, Farmington Resident, 2024
“I met with you at just the right time, I needed help, and you made me
feel that I could do this! I never felt judged by you, only encouraged. I
am so grateful.” – MCCD TA Client, Farmington Business Owner, 2025
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Outreach & Updates
•Farmington Small Business Resource Fair – Summer 2024
•Farmington Small Business Summit – Jan 2025
•Ads in Farmington Currents
•Lenderfit roll out for online loan applications
•Banker networking
•UMN Law School partnership / Q&As – free 30 min. advice sessions
•Accounting & Bookkeeping assistance – up to 10 hours for free
•Business Resource Newsletter
•35th Annual Celebration
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On the Ground
•High uncertainty; wait-and-see approach
•Economic volatility, tariffs
•Costs are rising for goods, services, supplies, insurance,
labor – for consumers & businesses
•Interest rates remain high; delaying expansion or
investment decisions
•Demand for TA & nontraditional financing is high
Insights & Trends
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On the Ground
•Concerns about changing immigration policy customers
are apprehensive to go out, concerned about
deportation
•Licensing backlogs at DHS (1+years for a new license)
•Ultimately, next steps depend on personal risk tolerance,
specifics of situation, customer base
•Investment will continue, business will open and be
successful
Insights & Trends
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Our Response
•High touch support to new & existing clients
•Focus on retail, restaurants, healthcare
•Demand is high -- Focus on client work & accessibility
•Looking at cohort models for scenario planning
•2025 lending goal is $3,500,000 org wide
•Rates capped at 7% - including startup lending
•Bi-monthly Lending Info Sessions started in Feb
•Language capabilities: English, Spanish, Hmong, Somali
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Areas of Opportunity
•In-depth business planning
•Grant opportunity for class tuition
•Marketing / SEO
•Alternative sources of low-cost capital (RLF)
•Down payment assistance (vehicles, equipment)
•Credit counseling / education
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Contact Us
(612) 789-7337
info@mccdmn.org
3137 Chicago Ave,
Minneapolis, MN 55407Language Assistance
Our business advisors speak
English, Spanish, Somali, and
Hmong.
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA MEMO
To: Economic Development Authority
From: Deanna Kuennen, Community & Economic Development Director
Department: EDA
Subject: Director's Report
Meeting: Economic Development Authority - Apr 21 2025
INTRODUCTION:
Attached please find a summary of recent economic development activities. Additional details
regarding some of the activity is highlighted separately in the EDA packet.
DISCUSSION:
Attached please find a summary of recent economic development activities. Staff will be available
to answer questions.
ACTION REQUESTED:
No action questions. This item is informational and is provided to communicate how the EDA time
and money resources are allocated and to track and measure the impact of initiatives.
ATTACHMENTS:
04-2025 meeting
Page 32 of 36
Reporting
Period:
April 2025
DIRECTOR’S REPORT – providing project highlights and a summary of
economic development activity.
Projects &
Initiatives
• Rye Apartments Development The groundbreaking ceremony took place on Nov. 19th, 2024. Construction is
progressing nicely, and the project is on track to open in Fall 2025.
Follow along: https://youtu.be/b5M_hJyF-7o
**Please visit the Community Development “Development Project Updates” page to
watch the progress of various projects underway in the community. More information,
imagery, and projects are being added as they advance.**
Development Project Updates | Farmington, MN
• BRE
Staff have actively been reaching out to schedule and conduct business visits
based on the BRE Plan discussed at the May2024 meeting. Responses have
been slow, but visits are getting scheduled and Staff hopes that the Business Survey and Farmington Business Summit kick start these efforts. 2025 visits
have included: Aerospace Fabrication and Valmont
Prospects
• Request For Information (RFIs)
Project Kraken – DID NOT SUBMIT – medical equipment assembly and manufacturing, seeking existing buildings only.
Canadian Company – DID NOT SUBMIT – manufacturing plant seeking existing buildings only.
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Project Sarek – DID NOT SUBMIT – rare earth magnet manufacturing facility seeking existing buildings only.
Project Corona – DID NOT SUBMIT – food manufacturing/retail operation, seeking acreage.
• Developer Meetings
Since the start of the year, Staff has met with the following developers who
have expressed interest in working in Farmington. Conversations continue and
various opportunities continue to be explored:
o Sever Commercial Construction
o MWF
o DBS
o Acumen
o DR Horton
o Synergy Land Co.
o Cushing Terrell
o CORE Real Estate Group
o Caughan Companies
o Obsidian
o
• Other Prospects
Initial conversations have occurred with existing and prospective businesses looking to locate/relocate in Farmington. The types of projects that are represented include entertainment, services, manufacturing, commercial/retail, daycare, and MF housing.
Other
• MidAmerica Economic Development Council (MAEDC)
Staff has been appointed to the MidAmerica Economic Development Council to represent Minnesota. The Best Practices Conference is in May and will be held in Stillwater, MN. Staff is on the conference planning committee working
to build out the agenda. In addition, Stephanie Aman was selected to receive an MAEDC Scholarship. This covers her conference registration fee and she will be matched with a mentor from another state for a year-long program.
• Grocery Initiative
At its February meeting, the EDA authorized staff to execute a contract with ROIC Analytics, LLC for up to $10,000 to conduct a grocery market study in Farmington. During the week of March 3, an area analyst visited Farmington to assess feasibility, and the draft study findings have been delivered. The report is being reviewed and will be shared with the EDA at the May meeting.
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Staff will be building out a “public facing” component to the grocery recruitment efforts. This will likely involve community surveys, a page on the
website with market information, etc. utilizing insights from the KState Rural Grocery Initiative.
Staff continue to have conversations and meetings with grocers and grocery developers.
• Partner Meetings
Staff is prioritizing connecting and leveraging our economic development
partners – including the Minnesota Trade Office, DEED, Greater MSP, utility
providers, and other organizations. An example of this is Staff attended the Greater MSP Partnership Next25 event in late February to learn about their successes and goals and to better understand Farmington’s place in the region.
Partners are being invited to attend upcoming EDA meetings, to share their vision, role, and plans. This will provide an opportunity for the EDA to connect with these partners, ask questions, gain a broader understanding of how our work aligns, and learn how we can leverage these relationships. Invitations have been made to the following:
DCTC/Inver Hills College - March
MCCD / Open to Business – April
Dakota County CDA – May, will include the Dakota Co. Housing Study
presentation
CVN/Brookshire
GreaterMSP
• MREJ – Summits/Conferences/Awards
Staff served as a panelist at the 21st Annual Land Development Summit on March 12, 2025. The topic was “Municipal Collaboration: Strengthening Public-
Private Partnerships.”
Staff severed as a panelist at the MREJ Women in Real Estate (WIRE) Summit
planned in April. The topic involved leadership philosophy and navigating difficult situations. Staff will moderate a panel at the 3rd Annual SE Metro Summit planned for
mid-May. It will be the opening session, focusing on the state of the markets in
the SE Metro region. The MREJ 2025 Awards will be held on May 1, 2o25. Lynn Gorski has been named a finalist for the Women of the Year category, and The Emery is a finalist in two separate categories. Farmington is well represented again this
year!
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• Economic Development Website Over the next few months, Staff will be focusing on updating the economic
development content on the city’s website. The purpose will be to make information easily accessible and build out content which is known to be important to site selectors and business representatives.
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