Northfield Economic Development Authority Meeting - October 27, 2025

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) of Northfield, Minnesota, met on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:20 PM in the Council Chambers. Four of seven board members were present (President Randy Yoder, Jessica Peterson-White, Donald Stager, and Chad Beumer), with three absent (Enoch Blazis, Andy Beaham, and Sean Allen). Also present were City Administrator Ben Martig (via Zoom), Interim Community Development Director Mikayla Schmidt, Community Development Program Associate Emery John, Meeting Associate Matt Bailey, and Youth Representative Pedro Torres Bermudez. The meeting included a presentation, budget approval, and discussions on a micro-loan program and strategic planning.

Consent Calendar

• Approved unanimously (4-0) the September 29, 2025 EDA meeting minutes and September 2025 EDA financials.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comment was received.

Discussion Items

• Riverwalk Market Fair Presentation: Market Director Derek Meyers presented on the 2025 season and responded to board questions. No decisions were made on this item.
• Micro-loan Program Discussion: Emery John presented a draft for a possible EDA micro-loan program. The board discussed the proposal and raised questions for future refinement.
• 2026 EDA Budget: City Administrator Ben Martig presented the proposed 2026 budget. Board members discussed the budget before moving to a vote.
• Future Strategic Planning Retreat: President Yoder led a discussion on rescheduling the retreat originally planned for October 2025. Board members and staff discussed opportunities for the EDA’s future, including leadership transitions.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of 2026 EDA Budget: A motion by Board Member Stager, seconded by Board Member Peterson-White, to approve the 2026 EDA budget carried 4-0.
• Staff Updates: Emery John, Mikayla Schmidt, and Ben Martig provided updates on outstanding EDA items and city-wide projects. No specific action was taken.
• The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 PM.