Economic Development Authority

Meetings

Fourth Thursday of each month
7:30 a.m.
Special meetings are occasionally called.

City Hall
Council Chambers
801 Washington St.
Northfield, MN 55057

Important documents

Agendas and minutes

City Meeting Archives Opens in new window
The City meeting archives contain agendas, minutes, handouts and additional information.

  1. City Meeting Portal Opens in new window
    The City meeting portal allows you to view live streamed meetings and agendas with clickable links.

Members

Name Title Term expiration Phone number
Andrew Ehrmann Treasurer December 31, 2022 970-389-5416
Mike Strobel President December 31, 2024 507-649-1025
Britt Ackerman Board Member December 31, 2021 507-645-9358
Enoch Blazis Board Member December 31, 2025 612-308-7712
Rachel Leatham Vice President December 31, 2023 507-321-3459
Jessica Peterson White Board Member - Council December 31, 2022 612-366-8311
Rhonda Pownell Board Member - Council December 31, 2020 507-663-1932
Alex Baraniak Youth Representative (non-voting) 2019-2020 school year Not available
Celine Falcon-Geist Youth Representative (non-voting) 2019-2020 school year Not available

Staff liaisons

Name Title Phone number
Mitzi Baker Community Development Director 507-645-3005
Nate Carlson Economic Development Coordinator 507-645-3069
Kari Bonde Administrative Associate 507-645-3024

Overview

The City of Northfield Economic Development Authority (EDA), created in 1991, seeks to improve the economic condition of Northfield. Focusing on appropriate commercial and industrial development, the EDA works to establish a higher tax base and additional job opportunities for the citizens of Northfield. The EDA provides resources and tools, including loans and grants, to support this kind of development. Resolution #2011-131 The Economic Development Authority proposed amendments to their enabling resolution at a public hearing held December 13, 2011, before the City Council. At the City Council meeting held December 13, 2011, they approved Resolution #2011-131, amending the enabling resolution for the Economic Development Authority.

2019 accomplishments

  • Micro Grants
    • Launch5 Media received a $5,000 grant for business expansion opportunity
    • Groundwire Coffee Roasters received a $5,000 grant for their business expansion opportunity with Little Joy
    • Contented Cottage Bed & Breakfast received a $5,000 grant for their business expansion of a new room for the facility
  • Loan activity the EDA approved
    • $100,000 loan to assist with the remodeling expenses for the Reunion Restaurant
    • $50,000 loan for Secure Base Counseling Center to assist with their property acquisition and business expansion
    • $250,000 loan to assist with gap financing for the 5th Street Lofts project

Major projects

  • Assisted with the coordination and recruitment of a developer for the 5th Street Lofts
    • Supported creation of a Redevelopment Tax Increment Financing District (TIF District)
    • Provided property to the project (510 Washington Street)
    • Provided a sizable revolving loan
  • Contracted with Strong & Starlike Consulting to examine business conditions for minority and immigrant business owners and entrepreneurs
    • Established a Socio-Economic Committee to examine the conditions in Northfield for women, minority and veteran business owners

Membership requirements

The commission consists of seven members appointed by the mayor and approved by the City Council. Each member serves a six-year term. Members are restricted to three terms. Members do not receive monetary compensation.

The mayor recommends applicants to the City Council based on their interest in economic development and commercial and industrial (re)development, along with willingness to serve and background.

Applying

  1. Apply for a board, commission, or task force

    Applications are also available at:

    City Hall
    801 Washington Street
    Northfield, MN 55057

    Northfield Public Library
    210 Washington Street
    Northfield, MN 55057