HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.17.26 EDA Packet
Meeting Location:
Farmington City Hall, Council
Chambers
430 Third Street
Farmington, MN 55024
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Monday, August 17, 2026
4:30 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 July 20, 2026 Regular Economic Development Authority
Meeting.
Approve the minutes of the July 20, 2026 Regular Economic
Development Authority Meeting.
Agenda Item: Minutes of the July 20, 2026 Regular Economic
Development Authority Meeting. - Pdf
3 - 6
6.2. Quarterly Report - Open to Business (Q2 2026)
No action requested. Reports are provided for informational purposes.
Agenda Item: Quarterly Report - Open to Business (Q2 2026) - Pdf
7 - 17
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
8. DISCUSSION ITEMS
8.1. Preliminary EDA Levy - FY 2027
Adopt Resolution 2026-09 Approving Preliminary Economic
Development Authority Levy Request for 2027.
Agenda Item: Preliminary EDA Levy - FY 2027 - Pdf
18 - 20
Page 1 of 29
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
21 - 29
10. ADJOURN
Page 2 of 29
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA MEMO
To: Mayor, Councilmembers and City Administrator
From: Melissa Geis, City Clerk
Department: EDA
Subject: Minutes of the July 20, 2026 Regular Economic Development Authority
Meeting.
Meeting: Economic Development Authority - Aug 17 2026
INTRODUCTION:
For approval are the minutes of the July 20, 2026 Regular Economic Development Authority
Meeting.
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve the minutes of the July 20, 2026 Regular Economic Development Authority
Meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
07.20.26 EDA Minutes
Page 3 of 29
Page 1 of 3 EDA Minutes of July 20, 2026
City of Farmington
Economic Development Authority
Regular Meeting Minutes
Monday, July 20, 2026
The Farmington Economic Development Authority met in regular session on Monday,
July 20, 2026 at Farmington City Hall, 430 Third Street, Farmington, Minnesota.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Commissioner Cordes called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Commissioner Cordes lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Chair Cordes
Commissioners Holly Bernatz, Steve Wilson, and
Phil Windschitl
Members Absent: Commissioner Nick Lien
Staff Present: Lynn Gorski, City Administrator
David Chanski, Assistant City Administrator
Deanna Kuennen, EDA Executive Director
Stephanie Aman, Economic Development Coordinator
Kim Sommerland, Finance Director
Melissa Geis, City Clerk
Also Present: Justin Kelly, Top Hat Services, LLC
Brooke Carroll, Maverson Design
4. APPROVE AGENDA
Motion was made by Commissioner Bernatz and seconded by Commissioner
Wilson to approve the agenda as presented.
Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays
5. CITIZEN COMMENTS
No one addressed the EDA to speak.
Page 4 of 29
Page 2 of 3 EDA Minutes of July 20, 2026
6. CONSENT AGENDA
6.1 Minutes of the June 15, 2026 Regular Economic Development Authority
Meeting
Motion was made by Commissioner Windschitl 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 Top Hat Services, LLC – MicroGrant Application
Motion was made by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Commissioner
Bernatz to approve Resolution 2026-08 awarding $10,000 in MicroGrant
funding to Top Hat Services, LLC’s updated vehicle wrapping and snowplow
expansion for their truck fleet.
8.2 Mid-Year Progress Report
Executive Director Kuennen presented the Mid-Year Progress Report.
8.3 2027 Preliminary Budget, Work Plan, and EDA Levy Discussion
Executive Director Kuennen presented the 2027 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 the preliminary levy request forward for approval at the
August meeting, and to continue to finalize the budget and work plan for
2027.
9. DIRECTOR’S REPORT
9.1 Director’s Report
10. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made by Commissioner Windschitl and seconded by Commissioner
Wilson to adjourn the meeting at 6:18 pm.
Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays
Page 5 of 29
EDA Minutes of July 20, 2026 Page 3 of 3
Respectfully submitted,
Melissa Geis
City Clerk
Page 6 of 29
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA MEMO
To: Economic Development Authority
From: Deanna Kuennen, Community & Economic Development Director
Department: EDA
Subject: Quarterly Report - Open to Business (Q2 2026)
Meeting: Economic Development Authority - Aug 17 2026
INTRODUCTION:
The Open to Business Program provides technical assistance and access to capital to small
businesses and potential entrepreneurs, in Dakota County. As required in the Joint Powers
Agreement, client outlining Advisor Business the by provided are reports quarterly
interactions and statistics. Attached are the Q2 2026 Reports.
DISCUSSION:
Open to Business provides technical assistance and access to capital to small businesses
and potential entrepreneurs in Dakota County. Through the Joint Powers Agreement with
Dakota County CDA, communities within the county agree to leverage their individual
dollars for this important service.
In addition to the technical assistance and access to capital that is provided directly to
the clients, the Business Advisor, Natalie Mouilso, meets monthly with City Staff. The purpose
of these meetings is to learn about upcoming events and resources that can be shared
with interested businesses, share referrals, and discuss general trends/challenges/needs of
the small business community.
BUDGET IMPACT:
$5,500 annually
ACTION REQUESTED:
No action requested. Reports are provided for informational purposes.
ATTACHMENTS:
Open to Business Narrative Report - Dakota County - Q2 2026
Open to Business TA Data Report - Dakota County - Q2 2026
Page 7 of 29
Natalie Mouilso, nmouilso@mccdmn.org, 952-451-6390
1/01/2026 – 06/30/2026
Clients Served YTD
Client Inquiry 1
Existing - Challenged 16
Existing - Opportunity 27
Pre-start planning 21
Start-up 24
Total 89
Business Owner Demographics YTD
# of Clients
Low-Income Owned 55
BIPOC or Immigrant Owned 49
Woman Owned 20
Financing & Access to Capital YTD
Loans & Grants Approved
includes CBLs (YRLY Total) $20,000.00
Equity (YRLY Total) $30,750.00
Total Investment $50,750.00
Hours
TA HRS Program HRS
1st QTR 146.75 293
2nd QTR 222.85 134
Total 369.60 427
TA : Client Meetings, Providing Resources, Client Calls, Client Deliverables, Loan Packaging
Program HRS: City Initiatives, Program Outreach, Public Events, City Meetings, Research, Data/Admin, General Inquiries
Page 8 of 29
Open to Business Report
2
Industry Segment YTD
Construction / Real Estate 3
Food 13
Health/Fitness 4
Manufacturing 2
Consulting 8
Retail 12
Service 25
Technology 4
Wholesale / Distribution 2
Other 16
Total 89
Referral Source YTD
Bank Referral 5
Entrepreneur 7
Friends and Family 13
Municipality 12
MCCD Partner/staff 10
Other 17
Web 25
Total 89
City YTD
Business Resident
Apple Valley 8 9
Burnsville 14 9
Eagan 10 12
Farmington 7 7
Hastings 5 5
Inver Grove Heights 6 6
Lakeville 6 12
Mendota Heights 0 1
Rosemount 3 3
South St. Paul 4 3
West St. Paul 2 2
Other Dakota Co. 1 0
Other/ No Data 23 13
“Working with Natalie helped me be more professional, understand the loan process, and get our business organized.
I lean on her all the time for advice... It’s a neighborhood store. Everybody comes and talks about what they’re
celebrating, who’s going to be there, and I get to share their happiness with them.” – Apple Valley Loan Client
Page 9 of 29
Open to Business Report
3
Direct Financing & Access to Capital
Business Type: Bakery
Business City: Inver Grove Heights
Residence City: Inver Grove Heights
Referred by: Family and Friends
MCCD Financing: $10,000
Equity: $30,000
This Hispanic, women-owned startup bakery opened in Inver Grove Heights in spring 2026. MCCD provided support to
the entrepreneur through in-depth direct technical assistance and access to capital via our loan funds. The client
invested $30,000 from her personal savings to open her doors and MCCD’s loan funds provided additional working
capital to purchase more sophisticated equipment and continue to improve the bakery space.
Business Type: Mowing and Landscaping
Business City: Mendota
Residence City: Mendota
Referred by: Website
MCCD Financing: $10,000
Equity: $750
This immigrant, women owned startup business received a loan from MCCD to purchase equipment and
machinery so that operations can begin. The business employs the owner and her partner part time as they look to
turn a lawncare hobby into a side business to generate additional income and give back to their community.
Highlights, Networking, & Outreach
Programming, Partnerships, & Trainings
• April – In partnership with UMN Law School, MCCD hosted our spring a virtual Q&A session on small business
law. This free virtual event is held twice annually and is designed for business owners at any stage. Law student
panelists work with their supervising attorney to answer questions and provide legal resources and guidance to
help navigate law questions and concerns.
• May – In partnership with the Northwest Minnesota Foundation and UWM Extension, MCCD hosted an in
person Navigating Business Succession & Transition training. Participants heard from experts about business
succession and transition, shared ownership, family business transitions, and more. The workshop was designed
for current and prospective small businesses to strengthen succession planning efforts.
• May – Business Advisor Natalie Mouilso represented MCCD and Open to Business at the SE Metro Development
Summit at Mendakota Country Club. The annual event covers regional market trends and CRE development in
the southeast metro area.
• June – MCCD facilitated an interactive small business workshop guiding entrepreneurs through the process of
starting a business including validating a business idea, understanding target market, basics of business
planning, budgeting, and understanding financing options.
• June – MCCD was awarded a $10,00 allocation from MN Microgrants which translates to ~6 grants for very low-
income entrepreneurs. MCCD has partnered with Microgrants for more than 6 years to bring this much needed
funding to entrepreneurs where it can make the most impact.
Page 10 of 29
Open to Business Report
4
• July – EDAM hosted a virtual panel discussion on Non-Traditional Lending: Gap Financings and Economic
Development Loan Programs. MCCD’s Director of Small Business Development, Tyler Hilsabeck, joined other
experts from four Minnesota Initiative Foundations to discuss unique financing programs in support of small
business and community development projects.
Advertising, Advocacy, & Outreach
• April & May – MCCD and community partners advocated at the Capitol in St. Paul to push for emergency small
business relief as small businesses across our state struggled with lost revenue and workforce shortages due to
circumstances out of their control. MCCD built a small business coalition, hosted rallies, and engaged with
lawmakers in a coordinated effort to get relief dollars to small businesses. While lawmakers and advocates
pushed until the final hours, the legislative session ended without a deal.
• June – MCCD Staff attended the Immigrant Entrepreneur Summit (IES) and spent the day networking with small
business owners, sharing small business development resources and hearing from speakers including Secretary
of State Steve Simon.
• June – Open to Business featured in Eagan Business News publication for Q2 2026.
• In the last quarter, banker and lender outreach occurred specifically with Lakeview Bank, MidCountry Bank,
Royal Credit Union, Sunrise Bank, and US Bank.
• In addition to lending outreach, written or in-person presentations were made and/or networking efforts were
made including ongoing partnership discussions with UMN Law School, Dakota County CDA, and City of
Farmington monthly check-ins. Additional activity included presenting outcomes at the City and County
Community Development Meeting, tabling at the SE Metro Dev. Summit, ribbon cutting at Salaam Global Flavors
Grocery, a presentation to the Lakeville EDC, as well as numerous client site visits.
Quarterly Highlight
Ribbon Cutting at Salaam Global Flavors Grocery, Farmington MN. Farmington’s new grocery store!
Page 11 of 29
Business Description Industry Business
Stage Business Source City Impacted -
Business
City Impacted -
Resident
Other Cities
Impacted Summary Comments Other Counties Impacted All assistance Provided Total TA
Hours
Q1 TA
Hours
Q2 TA
Hours
Total
Equity
Approved
MCCD
Financing
Low Wealth
Owned
BIPOC
Owned
Woman
Owned
Bakery Food Pre-start
planning Friends or Family Inver Grove
Heights
Inver Grove
Heights Blaine
Client has a family history in restaurants
and i looking to open up her own bakery
near her family's restaurant in IGH.
Ramsey
Other Loan Related;Business Plan
Development;Initial
Consultation;Financial
Management Assistance
36 23 13 $ 30,000 $ 10,000 1 1 1
Landscaping Service Existing -
Challenged Internet Other-Dakota
County Mendota Heights
Loan packaging;Cash Flow Analysis
& Projections;Other Loan
Related;Record
keeping/bookkeeping;Marketing;Lo
an Committee
18 0 18 $ 750 $ 10,000 0 0 1
music shop with records Retail Pre-start
planning Internet Burnsville Burnsville Apple Valley; Blaine want to open music shop Hennepin; Ramsey
Business Plan
Development;Business purchase
evaluation;Licensing
Assistance;Loan Committee
1.3 0 1.3 0 0 0
Hair Salon Service Existing -
Opportunity Web Eagan Eagan Eagan; Farmington;
Inver Grove Heights
Client informed that she used to talk to
Natalie and have found all the MCCD
resources very useful. They are in the
process of building a Salon/Spa studios,
and looking for funding options. They
also wanted help with certifications.
Dakota; Hennepin
Business Plan
Development;Strategic
planning;General business
issues/guidance;Loan Committee
3.6 3.6 0 0 0 0
Receipts Management
SaaS Technology Start-up Friends or Family Eagan Eagan Apple Valley Client wants help with marketing their
business which thye started a month ago.Dakota; Ramsey Networking/referrals;Business Plan
Development;Marketing 3.3 3.3 0 0 0 0
Consulting other small
business Other Client Inquiry Friends_and_Family Edina Eagan Apple Valley
cleint is looking for resources to execute
the business idea. need financial
resource when ready
Ramsey
TA for Existing Clients;Financial
Management Assistance;Loan
packaging;TAActivity;Business Plan
Development
15.75 6.25 9.5 0 0 0
A Systems Integrator
specializing in Ag-Tech and
Controlled Environment
Agriculture (CEA).
Technology Existing -
Challenged Other Farmington Farmington Apple Valley loan options and networking resources Dakota
Other Loan Related;Business Plan
Development;Loan packaging;Loan
Committee
23.3 3.3 20 0 0 0
Landscape Desgin/Install Service Start-up Social Media Lakeville Lakeville Apple Valley; Blaine Loan request for expansion.Ramsey Loan packaging 29 7 22 0 0 0
Dog Daycare and Boarding Service Existing -
Challenged Bank Referral Burnsville Lakeville Apple Valley; Blaine Client got referred to MCCD by Choice
Bank. They are looking for 45k loan
Hennepin; Ramsey;
Washington
Other Loan Related;General
business issues/guidance;Loan
Committee
15 0 15 0 0 0
Pre-start
planning
Other Entrepreneur
Referral Cottage Grove Cottage Grove
Client wants to register a LLC or Scop. He
has some tax questions. Also looking for
loan in few months.
Dakota; Hennepin; Ramsey Business Plan
Development;Business Registration 1.3 1.3 0 0 0 0
Daycare Service Existing -
Opportunity Bank Referral Farmington Farmington
The client is looking for financing to
refinance start-up debt and cash flow
assistance.
Initial Consultation;Loan
Facilitation;Other Loan Related 8 0 8 0 0 0
Consulting Professional /
Consulting Start-up Other Hastings Hastings
Initial
Consultation;Operation/logistics;Lo
an Committee
0 0 0 0 0 0
Canned beverage Food Start-up Municipality Minnetonka Minnetonka Minneapolis;
Minnetonka
Client heard about is from Elevate
Hennepin. He registered the business in
Oct 2025. He wants to start working on
the business plan and financial
projections.
Dakota; Hennepin Initial Consultation 1 0 1 0 0 0
Canned beverage Food Start-up Municipality Minnetonka Minnetonka Minneapolis;
Minnetonka
Dakota; Ramsey;
Washington
Loan packaging;Strategic
planning;Networking/referrals;Loan
Committee
3 0 3 0 0 0
Pre-start
planning Internet Rosemount Rosemount Apple Valley;
Blaine; Rosemount
Client wanted to learn about resources
from MCCD. He is thinking of starting a
consulting business. he wanted to learn
about some networking groups, other
non profits that helps small business
owners, he lost a job and wants to try to
see what next.
Dakota; Hennepin Initial
Consultation;Networking/referrals 1.3 0 1.3 0 0 0
Building Inspector Service Existing -
Opportunity Internet Apple Valley Apple Valley Initial Consultation;Loan
Facilitation 1 0 1 1 0 0
Amazon storefront Retail Start-up Social Media Apple Valley Apple Valley Blaine; Burnsville;
Lakeville
client is looking for a 50k loan to launch
his business Hennepin; Ramsey Loan packaging;General business
issues/guidance;Loan Committee 2 2 0 1 0 0
Pa
g
e
1
2
o
f
2
9
Gym and training services Health / Fitness Existing -
Opportunity Friends or Family Hastings Hastings
Cottage Grove;
Hastings; Inver
Grove Heights
Client has been running a gym from his
garage and now ready to buy a building
and open a brand new gym. he inquired
about things he needs to know to be an
entrepreneur.
Dakota
Business Plan
Development;Marketing;Business
Registration
1.3 1.3 0 1 0 0
Retail Manufacturing Existing -
Opportunity Friends or Family Saint Paul Saint Paul
Blaine;
Bloomington;
Brooklyn Park;
Burnsville
Client is looking for 50K loan to product
new products. He wants to also do some
hired marketing.
Dakota; Hennepin; Ramsey
Other Loan
Related;Marketing;Operation/logisti
cs;Business Plan
Development;Loan
packaging;Strategic planning;Loan
Committee
16.8 5.8 11 1 0 0
BBQ restaurant Food Existing -
Opportunity Municipality South Saint Paul South Saint Paul Apple Valley;
Lakeville
Client is excited about opening a new
BBQ restaurant. He is looking for grants
and loan options. He wants any
resources for new business owners.
Dakota; Hennepin; Ramsey
Initial
Consultation;Operation/logistics;Lo
an Committee
1.3 1.3 0 1 0 0
Software/SaaS Technology Existing -
Opportunity Other Woodbury Woodbury Eagan; South Saint
Paul
Clients needs help with sale. Looking for
funding and have introduced to Tyler.
Sent info to Kiri, Britney, St.Paul chamber
Expo link)
Dakota; Ramsey Business Plan
Development;Marketing 1.3 1.3 0 1 0 0
tobacco shop Retail Pre-start
planning Friends or Family Burnsville Savage Initial Consultation 0.5 0 0.5 1 0 0
BBQ food truck Food Pre-start
planning Friends or Family Cottage Grove Cottage Grove
Client wanted to learn about loan
opportunities from MCCD. He wants to
start a BBQ food truck. he has his LLC
and is working on Business plan
Dakota; Hennepin; Ramsey Initial Consultation;Loan
Committee 2 2 0 1 0 0
interior/exterior painting
business
Construction /
Real Estate Start-up Other Stillwater Stillwater
Blaine; Circle
Pines; Columbia
Heights
Client started his business on July 2025.
he wants help with marketing his
business. His business has not been
verified by Google and wants help with
that. He wants help with Business plan.
Client also asked if there was any grants
Dakota; Hennepin;
Washington
Business Plan
Development;Marketing;Networkin
g/referrals
1.3 1.3 0 1 0 0
Asian Grocery Market Food Existing -
Opportunity Municipality Burnsville Woodbury Apple Valley Loan questions Dakota; Hennepin; Ramsey Other Loan Related 8 8 0 0 1 0
Coffee and Catering Food Existing -
Opportunity
MCCD Community
Partner Rosemount Apple Valley Blaine
Client wants to start working on his
bigger dream. He is growing and doing
very well with his current business.
Dakota; Ramsey
General business
issues/guidance;Other Loan
Related;Business Plan
Development;Strategic
planning;Networking/referrals
2.3 0 2.3 0 1 0
Wood Finishing Construction /
Real Estate
Existing -
Opportunity Entrepreneur Burnsville Apple Valley
Check in with an existing loan client.
Received a request and approved
lowering the monthly pmt, with an
extension of the mat date.
Other Loan Related 3.5 0 3.5 0 1 0
Auto Repair Service Existing -
Opportunity Bank Referral Inver Grove
Heights Eagan Burnsville The client is seeking a business loan to
purchase equipment Dakota; Hennepin; Ramsey Loan packaging 1 1 0 0 1 0
Retail Candy Store Retail Existing -
Challenged
MCCD Community
Partner/Member Org
Inver Grove
Heights
Inver Grove
Heights
Financial management and Grants
request.Other Loan Related 6.5 6.5 0 0 1 0
Assisted Living Facility Health / Fitness Start-up Internet Farmington Lakeville Apple Valley;
Lakeville
its a husband and wife owned LLC
assisted living. They are registered and
waiting for the application process to get
the business running. They have the
House and team ready. Look for 50k loan
from MCCD.
Initial Consultation;Strategic
planning;Networking/referrals;Loan
Committee
1.3 1.3 0 0 1 0
Tattoo Parlor Service Start-up Internet Little Canada Rosemount Blaine; Circle Pines Business Development and Loan
Request.Ramsey
Business Plan Development;Cash
Flow Analysis & Projections;Other
Loan Related;Initial Consultation
4 4 0 0 1 0
Dump Truck Construction /
Real Estate
Existing -
Opportunity Social Media Saint Louis Park Saint Louis Park
Bloomington;
Brooklyn Center;
Brooklyn Park
Dakota; Hennepin; Ramsey 0 0 0 0 1 0
Optical boutique Retail Start-up Other Savage Burnsville
Client is seeking additional loan to
expand his optical business by hiring and
eye doctor and additional equipment.
Operation/logistics;Financial
Management Assistance;Loan
Facilitation;Other Loan Related
24 0 24 1 1 0
Home care Other Existing -
Opportunity
Other Entrepreneur
Referral Eagan Farmington Existing loan client support and reporting
/ compliance assistance Other Loan Related 1 0 1 1 1 0
Landscaping Service Existing -
Opportunity
Other Entrepreneur
Referral Bloomington Apple Valley Loan Request for Working Capital.Other Loan Related 1.5 0 1.5 1 1 0
Pa
g
e
1
3
o
f
2
9
resale vintage toy shop Retail Existing -
Opportunity Friends_and_Family Eagan Eagan Apple Valley; Blaine Clients want a weekly check on call and
needs guidance to grow the business.Dakota; Hennepin; Ramsey
TA for Existing
Clients;Operation/logistics;General
business
issues/guidance;Regulatory
assistance;Strategic
planning;Networking/referrals;Mark
eting;Business Plan Development
12.7 6.8 5.9 1 1 0
Mobility Transportation Service Start-up Friends or Family Eagan Eagan
Client is ready to pursue loan again,
discussed financing option, startup
budget, next steps. This is a potential
groundbreak client.
Business Plan Development;Loan
Facilitation 4 0 4 1 1 0
Commercial cleaning Service Pre-start
planning Municipality Eagan Eagan Apple Valley
Client wanted to know how MCCD can
help him be an entrepreneur. He wants to
own a kitchen hood cleaning business.
wants to start at Dakota County.
Hennepin Initial Consultation;Business Plan
Development 1.3 1.3 0 1 1 0
Autobody Other Existing -
Challenged MCCD Staff Member Ramsey Eagan Apple Valley Loan questions Hennepin Initial Consultation 1.5 1.5 0 1 1 0
LLC Other Start-up Other Inver Grove
Heights
Inver Grove
Heights
The client is requesting help with pricing
their cleaning services,
marketing/networking, and completing
tax ID reg./BOI registrations.
Regulatory
assistance;Marketing;Networking/r
eferrals;General business
issues/guidance;Business
Registration;Tax Advice &
Assistance
1 1 0 1 1 0
Senior Relocation Service Existing -
Challenged Other Lakeville Lakeville Lakeville Dakota Marketing;Loan Committee 1 0 1 1 1 0
Food Truck Food Existing -
Opportunity
MCCD Community
Partner Minneapolis Saint Louis Park Brooklyn Park Dakota; Hennepin; Ramsey Marketing;Networking/referrals;Loa
n Committee 1.3 0 1.3 1 1 0
Assisted Living Facility Health / Fitness Pre-start
planning
Other Entrepreneur
Referral South Saint Paul South Saint Paul Apple Valley; Blaine Client wants help with application
process for Residential Assisted Living.Ramsey Strategic planning;Licensing
Assistance 1.3 1.3 0 1 1 0
Commercial cleaning and
janitorial services Service Start-up Internet South Saint Paul South Saint Paul Apple Valley;
Burnsville
Client just owns a LLC a week ago. Wants
help with everything to start a cleaning
business business
Ramsey Business Plan Development 1.3 1.3 0 1 1 0
Pre-start
planning Other Minneapolis Minneapolis
Brooklyn Park;
Burnsville;
Columbia Heights
Client wants to own a luxury food truck.
is looking for a 300k loan. needs help
with starting the business.
Dakota; Hennepin;
Ramsey; Washington
Business Plan
Development;Business Registration 1.3 1.3 0 1 1 0
Food truck/ghost
kitchen/brick & mortar Food Existing -
Challenged Other Wayzata Spring Park Minneapolis;
Minnetonka
Client talked to Luis few years ago he
said. Now he has a new business and is
doing it alone. He wants to open to
Burrito store in Wayzata area and is
looking to 80K loan from MCCD.
Dakota; Hennepin Business Plan Development;Loan
Committee 1.3 0 1.3 1 1 0
Gift Boutique Retail Start-up Municipality Apple Valley Lakeville Marketing;Networking/referrals 1 0 1 0 0 1
Wedding and event floral
design
Professional /
Consulting
Existing -
Opportunity MCCD Staff Member Apple Valley Apple Valley Burnsville; Lakeville
Client want help with marketing and
networking. She is also looking for
resources to share her businesses.
Hennepin; Ramsey Marketing;Networking/referrals;Gen
eral business issues/guidance 1.3 1.3 0 0 0 1
Nail Salon Service Existing -
Opportunity Internet Burnsville Burnsville Bloomington;
Burnsville
Client wants to grow her business.
Looking for grants an loans Dakota; Hennepin
Business Plan
Development;Strategic
planning;Networking/referrals
2 0 2 0 0 1
Inclusion of children with
disabiliites
Professional /
Consulting Start-up Internet Eagan Eagan Apple Valley
Client wants all the resources she need
to get her new business started. She is an
OT who wants to help kids with
disabilities
Hennepin; Ramsey
Business Plan
Development;Strategic
planning;Operation/logistics
2 2 0 0 0 1
Quilting Services and
Pattern Retail Manufacturing Existing -
Challenged Internet Eagan Eagan
Apple Valley;
Blaine;
Bloomington;
Burnsville
Client had question about her business
registration, questions about filing tax
and want marketing suggestions for her
business.
Dakota; Ramsey; Other
Record
keeping/bookkeeping;Operation/log
istics;Business Registration;Tax
Advice & Assistance
1 1 0 0 0 1
Arts, Entertainment,
Education Other Start-up Other Newport Newport Newport
Client was referred to us my the
Chamber. She had few business
questions and shared her new business
idea of owning a maker space. Looking
for a 100K loan
Dakota; Washington Business Plan
Development;Business Registration 1.3 0 1.3 0 0 1
Retail Retail Pre-start
planning Internet Eagan Eagan Apple Valley Client wants to buy a franchise in Eagan
and is looking for guidance and loan.Hennepin Business Registration;Franchise
evaluation;Loan Committee 3.3 3.3 0 1 0 1
Ecommerce photography Service Pre-start
planning Internet Farmington Farmington Apple Valley
Client wants to start an e commerce
photography business. asked about all
the resources to start a solo business.
Also looking for grants and loan options
Dakota; Hennepin; Ramsey Business Plan
Development;Business Registration 1 1 0 1 0 1
jewelry and custom hats Pre-start
planning Friends or Family Farmington Farmington Client her business idea and wants help
to apply for EIN number and LLC.
Initial Consultation;Business
Registration 1 0 1 1 0 1
Pa
g
e
1
4
o
f
2
9
mobile coffee Food Pre-start
planning Bank Referral Hastings Hastings
Apple Valley;
Blaine;
Bloomington;
Burnsville; Chaska
Clietn want to register a LLC business.
She wants to own a mobile coffee
truck/Cart. She wants hep with
registration and needs all the resources a
new entrepreneur needs.
Anoka; Dakota; Hennepin;
Ramsey
Business Plan
Development;Strategic
planning;Business Registration
1.3 1.3 0 1 0 1
Mental Health Provider Professional /
Consulting Start-up Other Lakeville Lakeville Farmington;
Lakeville
Client called and requested for help to
update the website. Sent email to the
client to schedule a meeting first on
zoom to understand what she wants help
with and depending on that meet at the
Dakota County Library.
Dakota; Hennepin; Ramsey Marketing;Operation/logistics;Gene
ral business issues/guidance 5.6 3.6 2 1 0 1
Painting/Art Studio Other Existing -
Challenged Friends or Family Woodbury Woodbury Blaine; Circle Pines
Client is struggling financially and
reached out to MCCD for 2k Loan. She
wants to work on her Business Plan,
Financial plan and need help with
Business tax. Included Tyler in the email.
Dakota
Initial Consultation;Business Plan
Development;Financial
Management Assistance;Loan
Committee
2 0 2 1 0 1
Wellness spa - massage,
sauna, sound bath Service Existing -
Challenged
MCCD Community
Partner Burnsville Bloomington Apple Valley;
Lakeville
Client shared that she rebranded and
opened her wellness spa 1.5 years ago in
Burnsville from Golden Valley. she has
not been getting traction and has tried so
many things. today we talked about
some marketing strategies.
Hennepin Marketing;Networking/referrals 0 0 0 1 0 1
Competition dance studio Health / Fitness Existing -
Opportunity Municipality Cottage Grove Cottage Grove
Client was to relocate or even build their
own dance studio at Cottage Grove. She
is looking for any help from us with this
process. She is also looking for 50K loan
Dakota; Hennepin Relocation Assistance;Loan
Committee 1 1 0 1 0 1
Artist, fine art Other Start-up Internet Farmington Farmington Marketing;Networking/referrals;Bus
iness Registration 0 0 0 1 0 1
Salon Other Existing -
Opportunity Internet Hastings Hastings Initial Consultation 0.25 0 0.25 1 0 1
Shipping Wholesale /
Distribution
Existing -
Challenged
MCCD Community
Partner Lakeville Lakeville
Client is looking at growing her existing
transportation business, adding some
staff. Discussed financing and growth
options, next steps.
Initial Consultation;Strategic
planning;General business
issues/guidance
10.5 0 10.5 1 0 1
Event planning & event
decor business Service Existing -
Opportunity Municipality Apple Valley Farmington Existing loan client needs support with
loan reporting and marketing Marketing;Other Loan Related 4 0 4 0 1 1
Cleaning Service Other Existing -
Opportunity Other Apple Valley Apple Valley Apple Valley; Blaine Looking for loans Dakota; Hennepin; Ramsey
Business Plan Development;Record
keeping/bookkeeping;Networking/r
eferrals;Loan Committee
2.3 1.3 1 0 1 1
Life Coaching and Space
Organization
Professional /
Consulting
Pre-start
planning
MCCD Community
Partner/Member Org Burnsville Burnsville Marketing questions
Business Plan Development;TA for
Existing
Clients;Marketing;Networking/referr
als;General business
issues/guidance
3.6 0 3.6 0 1 1
Full Service Restaurant Food Existing -
Challenged Municipality Inver Grove
Heights
Inver Grove
Heights
Apple Valley;
Bloomington Loan opportunities Hennepin Financial Management
Assistance;Other Loan Related 3 3 0 0 1 1
Restaurant/Bakery Food Start-up Internet Hastings Hastings
Initial Consultation;Business Plan
Development;Networking/referrals;
Financial Management Assistance
1.5 0 1.5 0 1 1
mobile application Technology Pre-start
planning Internet Lakeville Lakeville
new client intake, they are developing an
app, discussed business plan and initial
steps to get started, lots of funding
questions.
Initial Consultation;Business Plan
Development;Business
Registration;Other Loan Related
1.5 0 1.5 0 1 1
Kids Store Retail Existing -
Opportunity Friends or Family West Saint Paul Inver Grove
Heights ongoing support for existing loan client Other Loan Related 0.5 0 0.5 1 1 1
Natural Skincare Products Wholesale /
Distribution
Existing -
Opportunity Internet Burnsville Burnsville
Continued support for existing client, she
is working on stabilizing her credit so that
she can apply for a business loan to grow
her business.
TA for Existing Clients;Loan
Facilitation;Other Loan Related 3 0 3 1 1 1
Insurance financial
business
Professional /
Consulting
Existing -
Opportunity Internet Apple Valley Apple Valley
Bloomington;
Brooklyn Park;
Burnsville
Client is working on registering her
business. She has 3 ideas. (Health
insurance, Financial education, and
Notary) she wanted to learn about all the
resources she needs to get her business
started.
Dakota; Hennepin; Ramsey Initial Consultation;Business
Registration 2 2 0 1 1 1
Pa
g
e
1
5
o
f
2
9
soul food Food Pre-start
planning Municipality Burnsville Apple Valley
Bloomington;
Brooklyn Center;
Brooklyn Park;
Burnsville
Client wants to open a Soul food
restaurant in Burnsville. She just
registered her business and now wants
resources to get going.
Hennepin; Ramsey Strategic planning;Business
Registration 1.3 1.3 0 1 1 1
Event Planning Professional /
Consulting
Existing -
Challenged Internet Burnsville Burnsville
Bloomington;
Brooklyn Park;
Burnsville;
Shakopee;
Woodbury
Client want to grow her business and
have her own event space. She is looking
for space grants, loan, and help with
business plan.
Anoka; Dakota; Hennepin Business Plan
Development;Strategic planning 1.6 1.6 0 1 1 1
retails store/resource &
community Retail Pre-start
planning Municipality Burnsville Burnsville Lakeville;
Minneapolis
Client shared that she is looking for
grants to buy more items for her clothing
store. She also share interest is opening
a take away business.
Carver; Dakota; Hennepin
Business Registration;Initial
Consultation;Business purchase
evaluation;General business
issues/guidance;Business Plan
Development;Operation/logistics
5.5 5.5 0 1 1 1
Transportation Network
Company Service Pre-start
planning
MCCD Community
Partner/Member Org Minneapolis Burnsville Apple Valley; Blaine Loan questions Hennepin; Ramsey
Financial Management
Assistance;Cash Flow Analysis &
Projections;Networking/referrals;O
peration/logistics;Licensing
Assistance;TA for Existing Clients
9 9 0 1 1 1
Event center & custom
cakes Service Existing -
Challenged Friends or Family Saint Paul Burnsville Business Development and Loan
Request.
Initial Consultation;Business Plan
Development 0.5 0 0.5 1 1 1
want to do online business Service Pre-start
planning Other Eagan Eagan Apple Valley
Clint want to open a Boutique
chiropractor space in Apple valley area.
She plans to register her business soon.
Encouraged to work on business plan,
check out resources in Dakota County.
Hennepin; Ramsey Strategic planning;Business
Registration 1.3 1.3 0 1 1 1
Event Center and Health
and Wellness Service Start-up MCCD Community
Partner
Inver Grove
Heights
Inver Grove
Heights Apple Valley MCCD Recources Hennepin Initial Consultation 1 0 1 1 1 1
Salon Service Start-up Bank Referral Apple Valley Lakeville Blaine; Burnsville
The client is looking a loan to relocate her
salon in Apple Valley to a larger ono,
complete build-out work, and
launch/stock a new haircare product
line.
Hennepin; Ramsey Loan packaging 1 1 0 1 1 1
Beauty Supply Retail Existing -
Opportunity Other Burnsville Lakeville Marketing;Networking/referrals;Ope
ration/logistics 1.3 1.3 0 1 1 1
Grocery Store and Catering
from Mobile Food Unit Retail Start-up Municipality Farmington Lakeville
Apple Valley;
Lakeville;
Shakopee
Client is in the process of opening a
grocery and grand go food place. Looking
for any small business owner resources
and loan options from MCCD.
Dakota
Initial Consultation;Financial
Management Assistance;Loan
Facilitation;General business
issues/guidance;Loan
Committee;Marketing;Networking/r
eferrals
7.3 2.3 5 1 1 1
Transportation/courier Other Start-up Other Entrepreneur
Referral Lakeville Lakeville Apple Valley;
Blaine; Farmington
Client circled back again to see about
financing for her existing business.Hennepin; Ramsey Loan Facilitation;Other Loan
Related 2.5 1 1.5 1 1 1
Barbershop Service Existing -
Challenged Other Burnsville Other-Other
Apple Valley;
Blaine;
Bloomington;
Burnsville; Circle
Pines
Client is looking for grants and is willing
to learn about the loan opportunities
from MCCD. She wanted to know
resources for her from MCCD
Dakota; Hennepin;
Washington
Marketing;General business
issues/guidance;Loan Committee 1.3 1.3 0 1 1 1
Home health care Service Start-up Internet Rosemount Rosemount Rosemount
Client is looking for help to register her
new PCA Business. Is asked about grants
and is also open to learn about Loan
options. Connected her to Natalie.
Dakota; Ramsey
Initial Consultation;Strategic
planning;Networking/referrals;Busi
ness Registration;Loan Committee
3 0 3 1 1 1
Vee Event Decor Service Existing -
Challenged Internet Brooklyn Center Brooklyn Center
Blaine;
Bloomington;
Brooklyn Park;
Minneapolis
Client was sent by women venture to
work on her system and process and she
wants to grow her home base business to
a physical store in Brooklyn park area.
She wants to open a party store. She is
looking for funding and also business
resources.
Dakota; Ramsey
General business
issues/guidance;Business Plan
Development;Strategic
planning;Networking/referrals
2.3 0 2.3 1 1 1
Fractional Human
Resources-Business
Solutions
Professional /
Consulting
Existing -
Opportunity Other Minneapolis Minneapolis
Apple Valley;
Bloomington;
Brooklyn Park;
Columbia Heights;
Golden Valley;
Hopkins
Clients business is growing and she
wants to add additional services. HR
solutions has been very well and now she
wants to add Business solutions in North
Minneapolis.
Dakota; Hennepin;
Ramsey; Washington
Business Plan
Development;Strategic
planning;Loan Committee
1.3 1.3 0 1 1 1
Pre-start
planning
Other Entrepreneur
Referral South Saint Paul West Saint Paul Initial Consultation;General
business issues/guidance 1.5 0 1.5 1 1 1
Start-Up Other Pre-start
planning Other West Saint Paul West Saint Paul Start-Up / Business Development and
Loan Request.Initial Consultation 3.5 1 2.5 1 1 1
Pa
g
e
1
6
o
f
2
9
SUBTOTAL 369.6 146.75 222.85 30,750$ 20,000$ 55 49 45
PROGRAM HOURS 427 293 134
ANNUAL TOTALS 796.6 439.75 356.85 30,750$ 20,000$ 55 49 45
Pa
g
e
1
7
o
f
2
9
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA MEMO
To: Economic Development Authority
From: Deanna Kuennen, Community & Economic Development Director
Department: EDA
Subject: Preliminary EDA Levy - FY 2027
Meeting: Economic Development Authority - Aug 17 2026
INTRODUCTION:
In 2024, the EDA passed a resolution requesting that an EDA levy be established to provide
a dedicated funding source for economic development purposes. Now that the levy is
established, annually the EDA must pass a resolution requesting a preliminary EDA levy
stating the proposed maximum amount, which is submitted to City Council to be included
with the City's proposed levy. This must be done prior to the city adopting and certifying a
proposed levy in September. Similarly, a final levy request must also be requested via
resolution, to be included in the final levy that is adopted and certified by the City Council
in December.
DISCUSSION:
The EDA levy provides a dedicated funding source to be used for economic development
purposes. In 2024, the EDA levy was established in the amount of $150,000. Now that the
levy is established, the EDA annually is required to adopt a preliminary maximum levy
request and submit the request to City Council to be included with the City's proposed
levy. State Statutes require the City to certify its proposed property tax amounts to the
County Auditor in September.
Per State Statues, the maximum EDA levy allowed is 0.01813% of the taxable market value.
The estimated taxable market value for Farmington for tax year 2026/payable year 2027 is
$3,387,495,440 - which makes the maximum allowed EDA levy $614,152.
The proposed maximum levy request for FY 2027 is $250,000 - which is well below the
maximum amount allowed per statues.
These funds will be used to support broad economic development initiatives as identified in
the EDA's work plan and be used to support the City's priority of "quality business growth
and retention."
Year 2024 - $150,000
Year 2025 - $250,000 net increase of $50,000 in levy due to elimination of General Fund transfer
Page 18 of 29
Year 2026 - $250,000
Year 2027 - $250,000
BUDGET IMPACT:
$250,000 to be included in the 2027 budget if approved by City Council.
ACTION REQUESTED:
Adopt Resolution 2026-09 Approving Preliminary Economic Development Authority Levy
Request for 2027.
ATTACHMENTS:
2025-09 Approving Preliminary EDA Levy Request for 2027
Page 19 of 29
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
OF THE CITY OF FARMINGTON
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION 2026-09
A RESOLUTION APPROVING
PRELIMINARY EDA LEVY REQUEST FOR 2027
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes section 469.107, subdivision 1, provides that a City may,
at the request of its Economic Development Authority (“EDA”), levy a tax each year upon all
taxable property within the taxing district for the benefit of the EDA; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes section 469.107, subdivision 1, also limits this levy to no
more than 0.01813 percent of the estimated market value of the taxing district; and
WHEREAS, the EDA desires the City of Farmington to include a levy in the proposed
2027 budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Economic Development Authority of
the City of Farmington that it approves and recommends a 2027 preliminary tax levy of
$250,000.00 for EDA purposes.
Adopted by the Economic Development Authority of the City of Farmington, Minnesota, this 17th
day of August 2026.
ATTEST:
____________________________ ______________________________
Jake Cordes, Chair Deanna Kuennen, Executive Director
Page 20 of 29
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 - Aug 17 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:
08-2026 meeting
Page 21 of 29
Reporting
Period:
Aug 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.
Project Duck – International company, seeking existing building (move-in ready) for a
manufacturing operation.
Page 22 of 29
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.
Project G – SUBMITTED site for consideration – international company seeking
land/building for purchase for injection molding and assembly.
Project Pentagon – SUBMITTED site for consideration – medical device
manufacturer evaluating locations in the MSP metro area as part of a nationwide
search for a new facility.
Project Opportunity – SUBMITTED building(s) for consideration – manufacturing
and assembly facility.
Project Secretariat – SUBMITTED greenfield site for consideration. Global
manufacturer specializing in metal fabrication, stamping, and processing.
• 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
o Ozhi Development
o Bauer Design & Build
o Remain RE
o NEOO Partners
Page 23 of 29
o CBRE
o Cushman & Wakefield
o NEOO Partners
o CERRON Commercial Properties, LLC
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
o Onxy/Obsidian – discussed spec building and pad ready site
o Acumen Business Solutions – discussed multi-use development site
o CBRE – Wells Fargo land and Hwy 60
o Multiple housing developers regarding Wells Fargo land
o Noor Companies
o Velair
o Property owners – future land use and long-term plans for buildings
o Local residents – initial inquiries regarding redevelopment project
o
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).
Page 24 of 29
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
The following summarizes the program activity to date:
Page 25 of 29
• 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.
• 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 – celebrated on May 26, 2026
o Salaam Global Flavors – celebrated on June 25, 2026
o Upcoming – Music Mart -September 24, 2026
• 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 dates of the 2026 Downtown Social include (all 4th Thursdays):
o May 28th
o June 25th
o July 23rd
o August 27th
o September 24th
• Partner Meetings
Staff is continuing to prioritize connecting and leveraging our economic
development partners – including the Minnesota Trade Office, DEED, Greater
Page 26 of 29
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
Staff has also re-established regular meetings with the Dakota County Regional
Chamber staff. The purpose of these meetings is to share information and work
on various collaborations.
• Meetings with Local Lenders
Staff is scheduling meetings with the local lending institutions to explore ways
that the EDA might be able to collaborate to support local business growth and
expansion. These meetings allow information to be exchanged about programs
and tools. The EDA has expressed that they do not want to compete with the
lenders when it comes to programs/future programs. These meetings allow an
open dialogue to explore ideas on the types of programs and tools that the EDA
might consider in the future, that could supplement, support, and/or
complement resources provided by the lenders.
• 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 planned a ribbon-
cutting celebration for Tuesday, May 26 at 2pm as a fun way to draw attention to
the new convenient parking options downtown.
Page 27 of 29
• MREE
Staff attended a “Deals” event in July and will be uploading sites and “wants”
(example: grocery store) on the MREE website. Staff will be more involved in this
organization during the second half of 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.
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.
Staff participated in the MREJ Summer networking event /golf tournament;
multiple meetings have been scheduled based on conversations and connections
made at the event, and Staff will be following up with some of the attendees that
they did not visit with due to the rain.
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
Staff tabled at the SE Metro Summit in May, moderated the Multi-Family &
Residential: Growth, Demand & Development Strategy panel and participated as a
panelist on the Navigating Regional Planning & Development Processes.
Staff attended the EDAM Summer Conference – held June 3-5. Staff also
attended the DEED Metro Area Quarterly Meeting to learn about DEED’s small
business services, St. Paul Port Authority’s recent industrial land study, and other
metro topics.
Page 28 of 29
• 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 took place on May 15, 2026
▪ Asbestos remediation is complete
▪ Demolition will occur once the utilities have completed
disconnects
o Staff are participating in conversations regarding rezoning of key parcels
to support industrial development.
▪ Land on Pilot Knob – rezoned to Industrial (May 18, 2026)
• Legislative Session
Staff followed several economic development-related topics that were moving
through the legislature.
Page 29 of 29