HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.21.25 EDA Packet
Meeting Location:
Farmington City Hall, Conf Room 170
430 Third Street
Farmington, MN 55024
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Monday, July 21, 2025
5:30 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 June 16, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority
Meeting
Approve the minutes of the June 16, 2025 Regular Economic
Development Authority Meeting.
Agenda Item: Minutes of the June 16, 2025 Regular Economic
Development Authority Meeting - Pdf
3 - 6
6.2. Monthly Financial Report
Accept the Monthly Financial Report.
Agenda Item: Monthly Financial Report - Pdf
7 - 8
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS
8.1. Partnership Presentation - Dakota County Regional Chamber (DCR)
No action required. The EDA is asked to participate in a conversation
around collaboration and enhancing existing partnership opportunities.
Agenda Item: Partnership Presentation - Dakota County Regional
Chamber (DCR) - Pdf
9 - 48
Page 1 of 54
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
49 - 54
10. ADJOURN
Page 2 of 54
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA MEMO
To: Economic Development Authority
From: Shirley Buecksler, City Clerk
Department: Administration
Subject: Minutes of the June 16, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority Meeting
Meeting: Economic Development Authority - Jul 21 2025
INTRODUCTION:
For approval are the minutes of the June 16, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority
Meeting.
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve the minutes of the June 16, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority Meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
06.16.25 EDA Minutes
Page 3 of 54
EDA Minutes of June 16, 2025 Page 1 of 3
City of Farmington
Economic Development Authority
Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, June 16, 2025
The Farmington Economic Development Authority met in regular session on Monday,
June 16, 2025, at Farmington City Hall, 430 Third Street, Farmington, Minnesota.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Hoyt called the meeting to order at 5 pm.
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, Asst. City Administrator/HR Director
Deanna Kuennen, EDA Executive Director
Stephanie Aman, Economic Development Coordinator
Shirley Buecksler, City Clerk
Also Present: Justin Erickson, Vice President of Site Selection and
Economic Development, The Brookshire Company
4. APPROVE AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Commissioner Lien
to approve the agenda, as presented.
Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays
5. CITIZEN COMMENTS
No one addressed the Commission to speak.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
6.1 Minutes of the May 19, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority
Meeting
Page 4 of 54
EDA Minutes of June 16, 2025 Page 2 of 3
6.2 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 – The Brookshire Company
Executive Director Kuennen introduced Justin Erickson, Vice President of Site
Selection and Economic Development with The Brookshire Company. Mr.
Erickson presented an overview of The Brookshire Company’s mission and
services, shared information on current collaborations, and participated in
conversation with the EDA on how the existing partnership can grow.
Executive Director Kuennen and Coordinator Aman will continue to attend
CVN events, build relationships, and work together to strengthen the
community as a whole.
8.2 2026 Preliminary Budget, Work Plan, and EDA Levy Discussion
Executive Director Kuennen presented the 2026 preliminary budget, work
plan, and EDA levy. A discussion ensued with the EDA expressing support for
the proposals and directing Director Kuennen to work with the Finance
Director to bring a final budget, work plan, and preliminary levy request
forward for approval in August.
8.3 Farmington’s EDGE
Coordinator Aman presented Farmington’s EDGE (Economic Development
and Growth Exchange), a new initiative designed to strengthen
communication with the local business community. The EDA expressed their
support for this initiative, recognizing the value it will have on both internal
and external communications, and as a tool to educate and inform the
community.
Motion was made by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Commissioner
Bernatz authorizing the Executive Director to use EDA funds for the website
module and the one-time implementation fee.
Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays
Page 5 of 54
EDA Minutes of June 16, 2025 Page 3 of 3
8.4 Continued Discussion – Farmington Local IMPACT Program (IMPACT)
Director Kuennen presented the IMPACT program at the EDA’s June 16th
regular meeting but, due to time constraints at that time, discussion was
continued until tonight’s meeting.
Discussion included:
• How funds could be used to incentivizing businesses with relocation
expenses.
• Why any new program(s) would require clear parameters.
• Program funds should benefit the business community as a whole (not
only downtown).
• Outside of loan and grants, what other ways can the EDA utilize their
funds to support business growth.
The EDA directed Staff to move away from developing a traditional
loan/grant program and instead research entrepreneurial programs and
ideas that could support and enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in
Farmington. They also directed Staff to consider how EDA funds could be
used to implement things such as the wayfinding program, which would
have a positive impact on the community as a whole.
9. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
9.1 Director’s Report
10. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Commissioner Cordes and seconded by Commissioner
Bernatz to adjourn the meeting at 6:44 pm.
Motion carried: 5 ayes / 0 nays
Respectfully submitted,
Shirley R Buecksler
City Clerk
Page 6 of 54
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 - Jul 21 2025
INTRODUCTION:
Attached is a monthly Financial Report for July 2025.
DISCUSSION:
Attached is the monthly Finance Report for July 2025, including a summary of the approved 2025
budget.
ACTION REQUESTED:
Accept the Monthly Financial Report.
ATTACHMENTS:
07-2025 Financial Report YTD
Page 7 of 54
Business
Unit
Object
Account
Account
Description
Cumulative 12
Budget
2023
Cumulative 12
Budget
2024
Cumulative 12
Actual
2025
Cumulative 12
Budget
2025
NOTES
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT3510 UNRESERVED FUND BALANCE -411,501.80 UNAUDITED FUND BALANCE
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT4011 CURRENT PROPERTY TAX -150,000.00 -125,000.00 -250,000.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT4516 ADMINISTRATION FEES - PROJECTS 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT4955 INTEREST ON INVESTMENTS -1,600.00 -1,000.00 -10,596.29 -2,600.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT4960 GAIN/LOSS INVEST MKT VALUE 0.00
-252,600.00 TOTAL REVENUE
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT5205 OPERATING TRANSFERS -50,000.00 -50,000.00 0.00 0.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT6210 OFFICE SUPPLIES 0.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT6280 BOOKS & SUBSCRIPTIONS 150.00 1,426.51 150.00 *CIVICSEND NEWSLETTER MODUAL
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT6401 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 1,000.00 5,000.00 21,004.35 25,000.00 Communications, Grocery Analysis, MREJ Services
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT6403 LEGAL 1,000.00 3,000.00 311.00 3,000.00 LAHA JPA
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT6404 IT SERVICES 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT6426 INSURANCE 560.00 600.00 202.32 600.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT6445 POSTAGE/SHIPPING FEES 1,000.00 0.00 1,000.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT6450 OUTSIDE PRINTING 250.00 2,500.00 0.00 3,000.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT6455 LEGAL NOTICES 100.00 500.00 0.00 500.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT6460 MEMBER DUES & LICENSURE 2,500.00 3,500.00 7,865.00 8,500.00 MidAmerica EDC, DRC, EDAM , CVN Memberships
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT6470 TRAINING & SUBSISTANCE 3,500.00 5,000.00 4,101.71 5,000.00 EDAM Winter (2), EDAM Summer (2), ULI Training, Next25, MAEDC (2)
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT6480 MEETING EXPENSE 242.04 500.00 Business Summit
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT6485 MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT 1,000.00 3,000.00 451.64 5,100.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT6492 ADVERTISING 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT6505 EQUIPMENT REPAIR/MAINTENANCE 1,600.00 1,000.00 0.00 1,000.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT6550 DEVELOPER PAYMENTS 60,000.00 50,000.00 0.00 50,000.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT6570 PROGRAMMING EXPENSE 10,000.00 10,000.00 17,709.00 85,000.00 MREJ Contract, Open to Business
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT7310 OPERATING TRANSFERS 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT7420 OTHER 0.00 64,750.00 0.00 0.00
53,313.57 188,350.00 TOTAL BUDGETED EXPENSES / YTD SPENT
-64,250.00 UNALLOCATED FUNDS
135,036.43 REMAINING/UNSPENT BALANCE
Total 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 29,910.00 -51,000.00 0.00 -64,250.00
29,910.00 -51,000.00 0.00 -64,250.00
29,910.00 -51,000.00 0.00 -64,250.00
JULY FINANCIAL REPORT
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA MEMO
To: Economic Development Authority
From: Deanna Kuennen, Community & Economic Development Director
Department: EDA
Subject: Partnership Presentation - Dakota County Regional Chamber (DCR)
Meeting: Economic Development Authority - Jul 21 2025
INTRODUCTION:
Economic development requires trusted partners and partnerships - working together on aligned
goals that are mutually beneficial. Every partnership is different, serving a unique function and
creating unique opportunities. As part of the effort to educate and inform, representatives from
different partner organizations have been invited to attend an EDA meeting to share information on
what the organization does, their own organization's mission, current collaborative efforts to
advance common goals, followed by a discussion on additional ways to grow the partnership. Jon
Althoff, President and Chief Mission Officer for the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce
will be attending the July meeting.
DISCUSSION:
The Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce (DCR) has the mission of being the voice of
business, and the vision of being the key connector and catalyst for growth. They fulfill their mission
and vision by hosting signature events and regional program, providing information to members,
conducting advocacy work, giving back to their communities, and being a resource. This work
extends to Farmington where the DCR has hosted/co-hosted candidate forums, State of the City,
coffee breaks, and more recently - support for data center development within the region.
Jon Althoff, President and Chief Mission Officer for the DCR, will present an overview of the current
work, focus, and initiatives of the DCR, talk about how the work between and with the City of
Farmington can grow and strengthen, and talk about future DCR initiatives. The goal is that this
information will provide a foundation for an in-depth conversation centered on collaboration,
connections, and future combined initiatives. A presentation prepared by Mr. Althoff is attached.
Additional context will be provided during the discussion.
ACTION REQUESTED:
No action required. The EDA is asked to participate in a conversation around collaboration and
enhancing existing partnership opportunities.
ATTACHMENTS:
DCR Presentation - July 2025 EDA Mtg
Page 9 of 54
1Farmington EDA – July 21, 2025
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Dakota County is HOME To Amazing Growth
•3rd largest County in the State of Minnesota (87 total counties)
•3rd largest economic engine County in the State of Minnesota (Source:
MN DEED)
•DCR Chamber ranked #13 out of 205 chambers Statewide
•Acres and Acres of Green Space for Building and for Agriculture
•Dakota County is the fastest-growing county in Minnesota with a current population of 447,000
Sources: U.S. Census 2022 / DEED 2024 / Mpls St. Paul Business Journal 2023
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The DCR Chamber Speaks For….
•~ 450 Diverse, Regional Businesses
•37K Employees
•A State Delegation of 12 (State Senators and Representatives)
•Mayors, City Councils and City Personnel as Appropriate
•Other Governmental Bodies as Needed (Met Council, MPCA, etc.)
•To the General Public When Business Interests Need to be Shared
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And To….
Farmington EDA – July 21, 2025
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The DCR
Footprint
9 Cities
EAGAN
EMPIRE
FARMINGTON
LILYDALE
MENDOTA
MENDOTA HEIGHTS
ROSEMOUNT
SUNFISH LAKE
WEST ST. PAUL
3 Townships
CASTLE ROCK
EUREKA
HAMPTON
Dakota County
Chambers of
Commerce
6 Total Chambers
5 – Single City Chambers
50% of County Population
1 - DCR Regional
50% of County Population
40% OF DCR MEMBERS
CHOOSE TO JOIN FROM
OUTSIDE OUR FOOTPRINT
•DCR REACH
•DCR CONNECTIONS
•DCR INFLUENCEFarmington EDA – July 21, 2025
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HOME To Members With Headquarters Such As…
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HOME Members With Major Operations
……AND HUNDREDS MORE
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HOME To Members of Major Higher Education
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Partner to Award Winning Education and Nonprofits
•Dakota County is represented by 12 School Districts – 5 serve the DCR Region
•Many Districts are award winning, some with National recognition
•The County and DCR Region are highly educated
•The DCR Region has approximately 25 nonprofit Members
•These Nonprofits are supported by DCR Business Members and the Community
•Many serve as lifelines and safety nets for some Community members
•They help keep the Community safe and healthy
Percentage With High School Graduation or Higher/ Bachelor Degree or Highter
Dakota County: 95.6% / 44.1%
Minnesota: 93.7% / 38.2%
U.S. : 90% / 37%
Source: U.S. Census (2022)
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DCR Membership - Statistics
9
Employees
< 20
500+100 - 499
21-10020 or less
employees 60%
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Mission Statement
501 (c) 6
We are the Voice of Business
and Connector Within Our
Communities.
Vision Statement
We Will Be the Key
Connector and Catalyst for
Growth
10
Our Core Values
D – Dedication to an Exceptional Member Experience
C – Continuous Improvement In All Areas
R – Respect to All at All Times
Farmington EDA – July 21, 2025
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YOUR DCR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
DUE TO OUR SIZE AND REACH:
The Dakota County Regional Chamber has the
POWER TO CONNECT TO CONNECTIONS THAT MATTER
And we CONNECT with CARE
•Connect to People, Ideas and Jobs
•Advocate for our Business Community
•Regional Support Provided Within Our Strong Communities
•Educate via Programming and Digital Communication
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How the DCR C.A.R.E.s
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DCR Chamber Members
(445)
DCR Board3of Directors
(24)
Director of Events and
Member Engagement
Kayla Hudson Director of Membership
Experience and
Engagement
Jane Bachul
DCR Chamber President and Chief
Mission Officer / DCR Foundation
Secretary
Jon M. Althoff
Ambassadors (24)
Nate Lehmeyer, Chair
Wings FinancialCAPS Spring Intern
(Open)
Summer Intern
Anna Caflisch
Director of Finance
John Munkelwitz
Chair of the Board
Holli VanOverbeke
Flint Hills Resources DCR Foundation Board
(8)
Chair of DCR Foundation
Lisa Franxman
Drake Bank
Board Committees:
•Public Affairs
•Finance and Audit
•Bylaws
•New Revenue Sources
•Membership
July 2025
ORGANIZATION CHART
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Run the DCR Like a Member Business
•Work with Other Chambers with Like Missions
•Build the Brand with Consistency
•Staff with the Right People
•Restore a Balanced Budget
•Deliver on the Desires of Membership
Active Board Member Engagement
✓
✓
✓
PROGRESS
✓
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Work With Other Chambers With Like Missions
•State of Dakota County
Presentation (OCT)
•Dakota County Chambers After
Hours B2B Event (NOV)
•Congressional District 2 Debate
(OCT)
•MN Chamber Federation Partner
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BRAND CONSISTENCY IS IMPORTANT
DCRC
DCRCC
DCRCofC
DRC
DAKOTA CHAMBER
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We Are The D - C - R
In use with Members, the DCR or your DCR
Outside: Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce,
DCR Chamber of Commerce, or DCR Chamber
Work in Progress….
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Member
Survey
Focus
Areas
18
2025
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Top Member Desires are Consistent
•Connection to People
•Connection to Ideas
•Connection to Communities
•New this Year, More Desire for Advocacy
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DCR Annual Events and Programs
20
56 Annual
Signature
Events
Annual Meeting
Business Excellence Awards
Charities Holiday
Luncheon
Golf Classic
Mayors Cup
Women’s Leadership Forum
(DCR Largest Event)
5
78
Regional
Programs
8 - Advocacy and Issues Forums
20 - Coffee Breaks
24 – Leads Groups Meetings
4 – After Hours Happy Hours
11 - Meet The Chamber
5 - State of the Cities
1 – Vikings VIP Training Camp
6 - Young Professionals
4 - Women’s Luncheons
5
20+
One-off
Events
Candidate Forums
Chamber Day in the Community
Conversations with U.S.
Senators
Ribbon Cuttings/Open Houses
Conversation with U.S. Congress
Representatives
Metro Solid Waste Virtual
Briefing
Special Luncheons
2400 people register
for events
Representing 249
different companies
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100 Plus Events Annually: High Scoring
21
•Minimum of Two Coffee Breaks / Month
•Ribbon Cuttings / Ground Breakings When Requested
•State of the Cities
•State of the County
•Advocacy & Issues / Advocacy Events
•Kickoff Celebration (Annual Meeting), Golf Classic, Women’s Leadership
Forum, Mayors Cup, Business Excellence Awards, plus…
•Holiday Luncheon to Celebrate Nonprofits
•COMING: Women’s Power Lunches, More Meetings with US Legislators
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The Power to Connect
New DCR Foundational Networking Groups
•In-person Networking / DCR Business Owners Roundtable / DCR
Members Abby Anderson, EOS, and Susan Taple, Legal Shield
(2X/Mo, Wednesdays)
•Virtual networking / Member Connect / Jeannine Pohl, DCR Member
Block Photography (1X/Mo. 4th Wednesday, Noon)
See DCRchamber.com Calendar
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The Power to Connect
DCR Foundation 501 (c) 3
✓PROVIDES SCHOLARSHIPS - $6,000 in 2024
✓High school senior women from School District #191, #192, #196, and #197
✓FOURWINS SCHOLARSHIPS - $6,000 awarded to students filling jobs in demand
✓PHLEBOTOMIST TRAINING PROGRAM - Completed the $76,000 Dual Pipeline Grant in
partnership with DCTC and local DCR Health Provider Clinics. Trained over 22 phlebotomists
last year.
✓SUPPORTS NONPROFITS IN DAKOTA COUNTY
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Annual Budgetary Performance (Post Covid)
24
Calendar Year Operating
Performance – Back to Black
2022 2023 2024 2025
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2024 Member Status
•New Members (YTD Total Through Dec.): 78
•Active Members YTD Total (12/09/2024): 445
•Cumulative Growth Rate: 2%
•90% Retention is an industry high water mark;
2024 improved to 85%
Still Room to Go
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DCR Financials – Key Stats
26
Large Income Blocks
Signature Regional New Members Renewal
Income/Expense:
•Signature
•Regional
•Membership (new)
•Membership (renewals)
Expense:
•75% is Staff Cost
Programming/Membership is 50/50
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How Do We Work Together With Farmington?
•DCR Hosts or Co-Host Candidate Forums
•Mayoral
•Council
•Representatives
•Senate
•DCR Hosts State of the City – Invites Members / Promotes
•DCR Provides City Coffee Break - Invites Members / Promotes
•Supports City with Issues of Common Business Interests
•2025 – Data Centers
Farmington EDA – July 21, 2025 27
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Why Data Centers?
•The DCR Board was an early adopter
•DCR Board voted approval of support of Data Centers
in the Region in early 2025
•DCR Teamed with MN Chamber (we are
Federation Partners)
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Why Data Center Support?
•Despite a favorable weather climate, Minnesota still trails states like
Iowa, Virginia, and Arizona in overall data center activity. By
embracing and supporting data center development, we can propel
our region forward, fostering stronger communities, schools and
support services, providing increased opportunities for families, and
personal advancement for our residents.
•MN has the 10th highest share of firms currently utilizing AI to
enhance products and services. A Minnesota DEED study indicates
that 56% of jobs in the state have moderate to high exposure to AI,
aligning with our strong presence in corporate headquarters, finance,
insurance, and professional services.
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Two $5B megaprojects accounted for 82% of
capital investment commitments in MN in 2024
DG Fuels Tract All other expansion
announcements
Capital expenditures by project: 2024
$5 B $5 B
$2.2 B
Source: DEED Publicly Announced Business Expansions
Note: Among 61 projects where capital expenditures were revealed)
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Total wages – and wages per worker – nearly doubled
in Minnesota’s data center industry since 2014
$81,753
$155,466
$0
$20,000
$40,000
$60,000
$80,000
$100,000
$120,000
$140,000
$160,000
$180,000
Average wage per worker
$0
$200,000,000
$400,000,000
$600,000,000
$800,000,000
$1,000,000,000
$1,200,000,000
$1,400,000,000
Total annual wages paid
$1.2 B
$634 M
Source: Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, BLS, DEED
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Wage growth far outpacing number of jobs in
Minnesota’s data processing industry
80%
100%
120%
140%
160%
180%
200%
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Total employment and wages in Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services:
Minnesota (indexed to 2014 levels: 2014 = 100%)
Total employment Total wages
Source: Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, BLS, DEED
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Regional peers like Iowa, Illinois and Ohio are
attracting significant data center investments
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
Nu
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D
a
t
a
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n
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r
s
Top Ten States For Data Center Activity
March 2025
Sum of Under Construction
Sum of Announced
Sum of Operational
Source: Aterio
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How Do We Work Even Better Together?
•Quarterly Meetings with the City of Farmington
•Continue Candidate Forums Support
•Continue State of the City Support
•Continue City Coffee Break Support
•Supports City with Issues of Common Business Interests
•2025/26 – Data Centers
•Help Support New City Administrator
•School District 192 Referendum Support as we did successfully for 196
•What ELSE?
Farmington EDA – July 21, 2025 34
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DCR Initiatives 2026
•Work to Create a “Dakota County Forward” Advisory Group of
Business Leaders to Promote Regional Growth
•Work with DCR Members and IHCC/DCTC/High Schools to Create a
Hiring Pipeline Program / Signing Day
•Create a Leadership Program at the Next Level
•As MN Chamber Federation members, invite <10 Employee DCR
Members to Co-Join MN Chamber (this has been Board Approved)
Farmington EDA – July 21, 2025 35
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2025 Upcoming Events and Programs
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August 11: Viking Training Camp (TCO Stadium)
October 4 – Mayors Cup to Fight Breast Cancer (TCO Stadium) (Mayor Hoyt is always #1 or #2!)
November 6 – Business Excellence Awards (Royal Cliff Events Center)
December 2 – Holiday Luncheon to support nonprofits (Rosemount Community Center)
2nd Tues and 4th Thursday: Coffee Breaks (assorted)
Advocacy and Issues Breakfasts: January 24, June 5th, September 4th (City Development
Directors) (Lost Spur, 8-9:30am), December 4th Dakota County CDA, Housing Report (Lost Spur, 8-
9:30am)
DCRchamber.com
Signature Events in Bold
Farmington EDA – July 21, 2025
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We are READY to Support Your Growth in
Our Dakota County Region
Contact Your DCR Regional Chamber of Commerce
DCRCHAMBER.COM
37jalthoff#@DCRchamber.com Jbachul@DCRchamber.com khudson@DCRchamber.com jmunkelwitz@dcrchamber.com
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THANK YOU Farmington EDA
For the Opportunity to CONNECT!
38Farmington EDA – July 21, 2025
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39Farmington EDA – July 21, 2025
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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 - Jul 21 2025
INTRODUCTION:
Attached please find a summary of recent economic development activities. Additional details
regarding some of the activity may be 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:
07-2025 meeting
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Reporting
Period:
July 2025
DIRECTOR’S REPORT – providing project highlights and a summary of
economic development activity.
Projects &
Initiatives
• Rye Apartments Development
Staff toured the Rye construction site in early July. The project is progressing
nicely with the estimated completion and opening of Phase 1 still on track for
Fall 2025.
Follow along: https://youtu.be/b5M_hJyF-7o
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**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
No update.
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.
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.
Project Heart – DID NOT SUBMIT – seeking 60+ acres requiring rail access for
a heavy power user. Project lead from DEED and will require an NDA.
Project Blue – DID NOT SUBMIT – only considering existing buildings. Project
lead from GreaterMSP
Project Locksmith 2 – DID NOT SUBMIT – manufacturer of high-end dairy
products, only considering existing buildings previously used for dairy
production/food grade.
Project Black Sabill – DID NOT SUBMIT – seeking minimum 250-acre site for
heavy industrial user/manufacturing plant.
Project Duck – International company, seeking existing building (move-in
ready) for a manufacturing operation.
• Developer Meetings
Since the start of the year, Staff has met with the following developers and
real estate brokers who have expressed interest in working in Farmington.
Conversations continue and various opportunities continue to be explored
and vetted:
o Sever Commercial Construction
o MWF
o DBS
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o Acumen
o DR Horton
o Synergy Land Co.
o Cushing Terrell
o CORE Real Estate Group
o Caughan Companies
o Obsidian
o Ozhi Development
o Bauer Design & Build
o Remain RE
o NEOO Partners
o CBRE
• 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
• Grocery Initiative
At its February meeting, the EDA authorized staff to move forward with
completing a grocery market study for Farmington. The report, which was
shared with the EDA at their May meeting, is actively being used to market
Farmington to groceries, developers, wholesalers, etc. . **The report has been
provided to multiple parties allowing the grocery conversation to advance. Prior
to having the report, Staff was only able to provide anecdotal information. Now
the conversations focus on data.**
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.
• 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
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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
CVN/Brookshire - June
Dakota County Regional Chamber - July
GreaterMSP
DEED
Utility Partners – Xcel, Dakota Electric, Northern Natural Gas
• MREJ – Summits/Conferences/Awards
Staff will be attending and tabling at some upcoming MREJ Summits and
participating in the summer networking event in August.
Staff will be speaking/presenting at the following:
August – Minnesota Shopping Center Association, Strategic Retail and
Development Growth: Perspectives and Collaboration with Community &
Economic Development Experts
September – Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce – Community &
Economic Development Updates from Partner Cities
October – Chicago Market Visit & FAM Tour with DEED, Greater MSP, MMP,
and the MN Trade Office. This will involve meetings with site selectors,
business developers, foreign consulates, and strategic partners to promote
investments in our communities.
• 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. The 2025 “State of
the City Business” video has been added: Economic Development | Farmington,
MN
• Business Resources
Staff have and will continue to look for ways to advance dialogue and
leveraging strategic partnerships with our economic development and
community stakeholders.
o AI For Business
Staff have collaborated with Dakota County Technical College (DCTC)
and Inver Hills Community College to offer Farmington businesses of
all sizes the opportunity to explore pertinent and timely business
topics. As part of this initiative, Matt Boudinot from DCTC will present
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"AI Essentials for Business" on Wednesday, August 13, from 2:00 to 4:00
PM at the Dakota County Library in Farmington.
Marketing efforts are already underway, with initial flyers distributed at
the small business networking group in July. A LinkedIn post is
scheduled for the week of July 14, followed by city social media posts,
website updates, and email notifications during the week of July 21.
Follow-up communication will be sent out the week of August 4. We
are excited to launch this first event in a series designed to provide
valuable resources and meet businesses where they are.
o Workforce Readiness/Business Skills in 4 Hours
Content planning for this “mini-series” is underway. Again, collaborating
with DCTC and Inver Hills Community College – the goal is to bring
forward training opportunities that the community can benefit from
(businesses and workforce):
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