HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.18.26 EDA Packet
Meeting Location:
Farmington City Hall, Conf Room 170
430 Third Street
Farmington, MN 55024
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Monday, May 18, 2026
5:00 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 April 20th, 2026 Regular Economic Development
Authority meeting.
Approve the minutes of the April 20th, 2026 Regular Economic
Development Authority meeting.
Agenda Item: Minutes of the April 20th, 2026 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 Electric Association
No action required. The EDA is asked to participate in a conversation
around collaboration and enhancing existing partnership opportunities.
Agenda Item: Partnership Presentation - Dakota Electric Association -
Pdf
9 - 10
Page 1 of 18
9. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
9.1. Director's Report
No action requested. 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
11 - 18
10. ADJOURN
Page 2 of 18
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA MEMO
To: Economic Development Authority
From: Melissa Geis, City Clerk
Department: EDA
Subject: Minutes of the April 20th, 2026 Regular Economic Development Authority
meeting.
Meeting: Economic Development Authority - May 18 2026
INTRODUCTION:
For approval are the minutes of the April 20th, 2026 Regular Economic Development
Authority Meeting.
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve the minutes of the April 20th, 2026 Regular Economic Development Authority
meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
04.20.26 EDA Minutes
Page 3 of 18
EDA Minutes of April 20, 2026 Page 1 of 3
City of Farmington
Economic Development Authority
Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, April 20, 2026
The Farmington Economic Development Authority met in regular session on Monday,
April 20, 2026 at Farmington City Hall, 430 Third Street, Farmington, Minnesota.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Cordes called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chair Cordes led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Chair Jake Cordes
Commissioners Holly Bernatz, Nick Lien, and Steve Wilson
Members Absent: None
Staff Present: Lynn Gorski, City Administrator
Deanna Kuennen, EDA Executive Director
Stephanie Aman, Economic Development Coordinator
Melissa Geis, City Clerk
Also present: Phil Windshitl
Makenzie Colsant
4. APPROVE AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Lien and seconded by Commissioner Bernatz
to approve the agenda as presented.
Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays
5. CITIZEN COMMENTS
No one addressed the Commission to speak.
6. CONSENT AGENDA
6.1 Minutes of the March 16, 2026 Regular Economic Development Authority
Meeting
6.2 Monthly Financial Report
Page 4 of 18
EDA Minutes of April 20, 2026 Page 2 of 3
Motion was made by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Commissioner
Bernatz to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS
8.1 MicroGrant Program 2026
Staff presented the MicroGrant Program with updated parameters including
offering awards up to $10,000 per business, structured as matching grants to
ensure shared investment and accountability. This expanded funding level is
intended to give businesses greater flexibility to address immediate needs or
undertake projects that may otherwise be financially out of reach. Staff
recommend allocating up to $50,000 from existing program dollars. This will
allow multiple businesses to benefit while maintaining responsible use of EDA
resources.
Following discussion, motion was made by Commissioner Lien and seconded
by Commissioner Bernatz to adopt Resolution 2026-02 Approving the 2026
MicroGrant Program and Associated Funding.
Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays
8.2 Downtown Social Grant Agreement
Staff brought forth the draft funding agreement in support of the Downtown
Social Group’s Fourth Thursday event series. As part of this partnership staff
are committed to a streamlined process for necessary permitting and City
required paperwork, and providing access to necessary equipment. They will
also support marketing and promotional work led by Downtown Social
Group to help ensure strong visibility and participation.
Following discussion, motion was made by Commissioner Wilson and
seconded by Commissioner Bernatz to adopt Resolution 2026-03 Approving
the 2026 Downtown Social Funding.
Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays
9. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
9.1 Director’s Report
Page 5 of 18
EDA Minutes of April 20, 2026 Page 3 of 3
10. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:19 pm.
Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays
Respectfully submitted,
Melissa Geis
City Clerk
Page 6 of 18
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 - May 18 2026
INTRODUCTION:
Attached is the monthly Financial Report for May 2026.
DISCUSSION:
Attached is the monthly Finance Report for May 2026. The report includes a summary of
the approved 2026 budget and year-to-date expenditures.
ACTION REQUESTED:
Accept the Monthly Financial Report.
ATTACHMENTS:
May Financial Report
Page 7 of 18
05/14/2026 BUDGET REPORT - MAY EDA MTG
2025 2025 2026 2026
Activity Amended Budget Activity /YTD Expenditures Amended Budget
GL Number Description
Fund: 200 HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Account Category: Estimated Revenues
UNRESERVED FUND BALANCE 411,501.80
200-0000-4011-000 CURRENT PROPERTY TAX 250,000.00 250,000.00 0.00 250,000.00
200-0000-4516-000 ADMINISTRATION FEES - PROJECTS 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
200-0000-4955-000 INTEREST ON INVESTMENTS 25,546.57 2,600.00 0.00 5,200.00
Estimated Revenues 275,546.57 252,600.00 0.00 255,200.00
TOTAL REVENUE
Account Category: Appropriations
200-2000-6280-000 BOOKS & SUBSCRIPTIONS 1,755.51 150.00 245.00 150.00 The Business Journal
200-2000-6401-000 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 37,260.60 25,000.00 1,040.00 25,000.00 appraisal
200-2000-6403-000 LEGAL 496.00 3,000.00 2,057.00 3,000.00 legal review, property acquisition,
200-2000-6426-000 INSURANCE 404.63 600.00 0.00 600.00
200-2000-6445-000 POSTAGE/SHIPPING FEES 0.00 1,000.00 0.00 1,000.00
200-2000-6450-000 OUTSIDE PRINTING 2,148.54 3,000.00 993.16 3,000.00 banners, notebooks
200-2000-6455-000 LEGAL NOTICES 0.00 500.00 0.00 500.00
200-2000-6460-000 MEMBER DUES & LICENSURE 8,060.00 8,500.00 3,675.00 8,500.00 DCRC, MAEDC, MREE, EDAM
200-2000-6470-000 TRAINING & SUBSISTANCE 5,940.28 5,000.00 2,508.16 5,000.00 EDAM, Fluence, Next26, AFCOM
200-2000-6480-000 MEETING EXPENSE 523.14 500.00 0.00 500.00
200-2000-6485-000 MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT 784.98 5,100.00 234.42 5,100.00
200-2000-6492-000 ADVERTISING 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
200-2000-6505-000 EQUIPMENT REPAIR/MAINTENANCE 0.00 1,000.00 0.00 1,000.00
200-2000-6550-000 DEVELOPER PAYMENTS 0.00 50,000.00 0.00 50,000.00
200-2000-6570-000 PROGRAMMING EXPENSE 18,709.00 85,000.00 18,750.00 85,000.00 MREJ, CDA (Open to Business)
76,242.67 188,350.00 23,857.08 188,350.00 YTD EXPENDITURES/2026 BUDGET
Fund 200 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
TOTAL ESTIMATED REVENUES 275,546.57 252,600.00 0.00 255,200.00 TOTAL EDA FUNDS (including unallocated funds)
TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS 76,242.67 188,350.00 23,857.08 188,350.00
NET OF REVENUES & APPROPRIATIONS:199,303.90 64,250.00 (23,857.08)66,850.00 unallocated EDA FUNDS
231,342.92
Remaining YTD Unspent Balance
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8
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA MEMO
To: Economic Development Authority
From: Deanna Kuennen, Community & Economic Development Director
Department: EDA
Subject: Partnership Presentation - Dakota Electric Association
Meeting: Economic Development Authority - May 18 2026
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.
DISCUSSION:
Dakota Electric Association (DEA) is an important utility partner/provider in Farmington. Not
only do they provide an important utility, for many years they have had their own
headquarters operations in Farmington. DEA and Farmington work together in many ways
and there is a strong community partnership between the entities. DEA representatives will
attend the EDA meeting to have a conversation on how Dakota Electric is committed to
providing safe, reliable, and affordable power to their members, including how Dakota
Electric DEA The serve. to obligation while fulfilling members existing protects its
representatives invited include:
•Ryan Hentges – President /CEO
•Jane Siebenaler – Vice President, Energy and Member Services
•Betty Jo Kiesow – Vice President, Engineering
•Peggy Johnson – Community Relations Director
•Jeffrey Rainey – Economic Development Director
The goal is to have a conversation and strengthen the understanding of what and how our
partners fulfill their mission.
Page 9 of 18
ACTION REQUESTED:
No action required. The EDA is asked to participate in a conversation around collaboration
and enhancing existing partnership opportunities.
Page 10 of 18
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 - May 18 2026
INTRODUCTION:
Attached please find a summary of 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 requested. 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:
05-2026 meeting
Page 11 of 18
Reporting
Period:
May 2026
DIRECTOR’S REPORT – providing project highlights and a summary of
economic development activity.
Projects &
Initiatives
Farmington Technology Park - Data Center (Farmington Technology Park) | Farmington,
MN
Information about the project including the project timeline, actions, official
documents (applications, staff reports, resolutions, and presentations) can be
found on the webpage. As more information becomes available, information will
be added and/or this page will be used to link to other sources.
The most recent action associated with this project is the application to divide the
Farmington Technology Park into two separate additions – Farmington
Technology Park 1st Addition and Farmington Technology Park 2nd Addition. On
April 20, 2026, the City Council approved the Final Plat and updated development
contract for both additions.
Tract has updated their own project website. The latest development updates
can be found at this location: Updates - Farmington Technology Park
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.
Page 12 of 18
Project Duck – International company, seeking existing building (move-in
ready) for a manufacturing operation.
Project Gamma – DID NOT SUBMIT – seeking existing building, minimum,
250,ooo SF in size for AI and robotics company.
Project X – SUBMITTED building for consideration – German manufacturing
facility that supports medical device and pharmaceutical packaging.
Project X – DID NOT SUBMIT – seeking 400+ acres, single ownership, for $10B
investment, heavy utility user project, with 5100 FTE projected.
Project Green – SUBMITTED sites for consideration – distribution hub seeking
industrial land for purchase. Site evaluation process is still underway, and all
submitted sites are still under consideration. Additional inquiries about due
diligence materials were fielded, answering questions and providing information
that was available.
Project SOL – SUBMITTED sites for consideration – manufacturing center of
excellence seeking land for purchase.
With land available as purchase agreements have expired, staff have contacted
older RFI holders to determine if there are additional fits for newly available
land. Still waiting for next steps.
DEED has notified metro communities that RFI activity is very minimal currently.
• Developer Meetings
Staff make a concerted effort to meet with developers and real estate brokers
who have expressed interest in working in Farmington. Conversations are
ongoing, circling back as opportunities present themselves to be explored
and vetted:
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 Ozhi Development
o Bauer Design & Build
o Remain RE
o NEOO Partners
o CBRE
o Cushman & Wakefield
o NEOO Partners
o CERRON Commercial Properties, LLC
Page 13 of 18
o G. M. / Acumen Business Solutions, LLC
o Upland Real Estate Group
o Cushing Terrell
o Remain RE / APPRO
o CORE Real Estate Group – exploring small site multi-family
o Acumen Business Solutions, LLC – connected with local property owner
o T.G – discussed residential development
o Remain RE – connected with local business owner
Follow up conversations were held with several developers that Staff have had
conversations with on various development topics and ideas. Meetings are being
scheduled for the summer.
• 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, hospitality, manufacturing,
distribution, commercial/retail, quick-serve restaurants, daycare, and MF
housing. We anticipate that projects that have been talked about for a while
will move forward (more to come).
o Staff met with two entrepreneurs with early-stage businesses. These
leads came through MCCD/Open-to-Business. Conversations involved
land/buildings, funding, building codes, permit processes, and
timelines.
• New Business
Page 14 of 18
Other
• Micro Grant
At the April EDA meeting, the 2026 Micro Grant program was approved. A total
of $50,000 is available for this program, with matching grants available up to
$10,000 for qualifying project/qualifying businesses. Staff have updated the
online application and provided information about the program on the city’s
website. Information can be found here: Incentives & Grants | Farmington, MN
• Grocery Initiative
At its February 2025 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.
At the March 12, 2026 MREJ Land Development Summit – Staff discussed the
Grocery Study with a developer and will have follow up meeting in April/May.
• Ribbon Cuttings/Open House
In 2026 Staff worked with the AV team to enhance the ribbon cutting
celebrations by creating videos that talk more about businesses and their
projects. These videos are housed on the City’s YouTube page. The videos
(shorts) will also be used to tell Farmington’s story and highlight the unique
businesses in our community and the investments that are being made.
City of Farmington MN - YouTube
o Trinity – celebrated on February 5, 2026
o Mis Tortuguitas – celebrated on February 19, 2026
o Lucid Tatoo – celebrated on April 1, 2026
o Quick Stop Spot Ribbon Cutting – Tuesday, May 26 at 2pm
• Downtown Social
Staff have been actively working with the organizers of the Downtown Social,
to support and promote the season-long event. Part of those efforts have
included researching how other communities “permit” monthly/weekly
community gatherings and understanding the city’s existing license and
permits. This has led to the identification of possible efficiencies that will
benefit this event but have a broader, positive community-wide impact as
well. The first date of the Downtown Social is Thursday, May 28!
Page 15 of 18
• Partner Meetings
Staff is continuing to prioritize connecting and leveraging our economic
development partners – including the Minnesota Trade Office, DEED, Greater
MSP, utility providers, and other organizations. Partner presentations will be
scheduled throughout 2026, and Staff will continue to participate in regional
activities that provide exposure and access. An example of this is Staff
attended the Greater MSP Partnership Next26 event on March 3rd to learn
about the plans for the region and to better understand Farmington’s place in
the region.
The first partner meeting for 2026 has been scheduled. These meetings 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.
2025 Partner Meetings:
DCTC/Inver Hills College - March
MCCD / Open to Business – April
Dakota County CDA – May
CVN/Brookshire - June
Dakota County Regional Chamber - July
University of Minnesota Extension Office – October
2026 Partner Meetings:
Dakota Electric – May 2026
GreaterMSP
DEED
Utility Partners – Xcel, Northern Natural Gas
Others, TBD
• Downtown “Quick Stop Spot” 15 Minute Parking
The City Council approved the parking plan and the 15-minute parking signs
(10 total) will be installed during the week of May 18th. Staff are planning a
ribbon-cutting celebration for Tuesday, May 26 at 2pm as a fun way to draw
attention to the new convenient parking options downtown.
• MREE
Staff plan to be more involved in this organization in 2026. More information to
come.
• MREJ – Summits/Conferences/Awards
Staff tabled at the MREJ Apartment Summit in January. These tabling and
networking events foster deeper conversations and connections with
brokers/agents/developers who typically see Team Farmington presenting
and tabling at the MREJ Summits.
Page 16 of 18
Staff tabled at the MREJ Land Development Summit in March and spoke on
the “Municipal Collaboration in Minnesota: Making Public-Private Partnerships
Work” panel. At this summit staff reconnected with a developer interested in
talking about grocery, talked with a developer about affordable MF housing,
and heard from numerous developers interested in finding land in Farmington
for SF housing development.
Staff tabled at the MREJ Women in Real Estate Summit in April and
moderated the panel “Women in Economic Development.” At this summit staff
connected/reconnected with several brokers who have done deals in
Farmington,
Staff tabled at the Retail and Restaurant Summit in April; several connections
from Farmington were in attendance and staff were updated on projects.
Several follow-up connections were made.
MREJ Award Ceremony was held on May 7th. The city was a finalist in the
following categories:
▪ City/County of the Year - WINNER
▪ Rambling River Center – Government Building of the Year
▪ Rye Apartments – MF of the Year, Suburban
▪ Rye Apartments – People’s Choice - WINNER
Page 17 of 18
SE Metro Summit – May 21 – Speaker
EDAM Summer Conference – June 3-5
MREJ Annual Golf Outing – June 23 - sponsor
• Other Speaking/Presentation Invitations & Commitments
o Regional Market-Visit – Chicago Market.
Farmington has been asked to participate and help plan a site selector
market visit to the Chicago region. The initial planning meeting has
taken place focusing on dates for the visit, site selectors and trade
offices to target, messaging and value proposition. Planning will
continue with the goal for Fall 2026.
• Economic Development Website
Staff have been implementing the Economic Development Website Revamp
as presented at the February EDA meeting. Several portions have been
updated and launched including the Business Support/incentives pages,
Awards, Rankings, and Accolades (which is ever evolving), wording has been
cleaned up across the pages to be consistent and inviting.
• Strategic Land Acquisition/Shovel Readiness
Staff continue to explore opportunities to increase the available land supply
and/or the level of shovel readiness associated with existing land.
Conversations are underway with developers and property owners exploring
what this could mean for key opportunity sites. A new, more visually attractive
map asset has been produced, allowing staff to engage in broader
conversations. More information to come.
o EDA Authorized the acquisition of 512 3rd Street. Closing is scheduled
for May 15, 2026
o Staff are participating in conversations regarding rezoning of key
parcels to support industrial development.
▪ Land on Pilot Knob – rezone to Industrial, on City Council
agenda (May 18, 2026)
• Legislative Session
Staff are following several economic development-related topics, moving
through the legislature.
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