Economic Development Authority

Meeting Location: Farmington City Hall, Conf Room 170 430 Third Street Farmington, MN 55024 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING AGENDA Monday, November 17, 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 August 18, 2025 Regular Economic Development 3-6 Authority Meeting Approve the minutes of the August 18, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority Meeting. Agenda Item: Minutes of the August 18, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority Meeting - Pdf 6.2. Minutes of the October 20, 2025 Regular Economic Development 7-9 Authority Meeting Approve the minutes of the October 20, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority Meeting. Agenda Item: Minutes of the October 20, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority Meeting - Pdf 6.3. Monthly Financial Report 10 - 11 Accept the Monthly Financial Report. Agenda Item: Monthly Financial Report - Pdf 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 8. DISCUSSION ITEMS Page 1 of 24  8.1. Final EDA Levy Request - FY 2026 12 - 14 Adopt Resolution 2025-03 Approving Final Economic Development Authority Levy Request for 2026. Agenda Item: Final EDA Levy Request - FY 2026 - Pdf 8.2. Introductions and Primer - EXPO 2031 Minnesota, USA 15 - 17 No action requested. This will be a presentation followed by discussion to explore pathways for involvement in Expo 2031. Agenda Item: Introductions and Primer - EXPO 2031 Minnesota, USA - Pdf 9. DIRECTOR'S REPORT 9.1. Director's Report 18 - 24 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 10. ADJOURN Page 2 of 24  ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA MEMO To: Economic Development Authority From: Shirley Buecksler, City Clerk Department: Administration Subject: Minutes of the August 18, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority Meeting Meeting: Economic Development Authority - Nov 17 2025 INTRODUCTION: The minutes of the August 18, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority Meeting are attached for approval. ACTION REQUESTED: Approve the minutes of the August 18, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority Meeting. ATTACHMENTS: 08.18.25 EDA Minutes Page 3 of 24  City of Farmington Economic Development Authority Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, August 18, 2025 The Farmington Economic Development Authority met in regular session on Monday, August 18, 2025, at Farmington City Hall, 430 Third Street, Farmington, Minnesota. 1. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Cordes called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm. 2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice Chair Cordes lead everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. ROLL CALL Members Present: Vice Chair Jake Cordes Commissioners Holly Bernatz, Nick Lien, and Steve Wilson Members Absent: Chair Joshua Hoyt Staff Present: David Chanski, Asst. City Administrator/HR Director Deanna Kuennen, EDA Executive Director Stephanie Aman, Economic Development Coordinator Kim Sommerland, Finance Director Nate Siem, Police Chief Also Present: 4. APPROVE AGENDA Motion was made by Commissioner Lien and seconded by Commissioner Wilson 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 July 21, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority Meeting 6.2 Monthly Financial Report 6.3 Quarterly Report – Open to Business (Q2 2025) EDA Minutes of August 18, 2025 Page 1 of 3 Page 4 of 24  Motion was made by Commissioner Bernatz and seconded by Commissioner Lien to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented. Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 8. DISCUSSION ITEMS 8.1 Preliminary EDA Levy – FY 2026 Executive Director Kuennen presented the EDA levy; discussion ensued, and questions were answered. Motion was made by Commissioner Bernatz and seconded by Commissioner Wilson to adopt Resolution 2025-02 Approving Preliminary Economic Development Authority Levy Request for 2026. Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays 8.2 “Share Our Downtown” – Parking Campaign Executive Director Kuennen presented the “Share Our Downtown” parking campaign to the EDA. Discussion ensued and questions were answered. The EDA expressed their concern over the cost of the “downtown identifier” signs included in the overall campaign, wondering how the signs benefit the effort to support downtown businesses. The EDA also discussed the number and location of the 15-minute “Quick Stop Spots.” This led to the EDA directing Staff to include the relocation of one of the 15-minutes spaces currently located on Oak Street in front of Sweet Knead bakery to a location on Oak Street east of Third Street as part of the campaign. Motion was made by Commissioner Lien and seconded by Commissioner Bernatz authorizing Staff to proceed with launching the campaign, approving the utilization of programing funds for the following components of the campaign: a. 15-minute “Quick Stop Spots” b. Parking Signs identifying Public Parking, as recommended in the Wayfinding Plan c. Page on the City’s website with Downtown Parking information d. Mailing(s) to downtown property owners and businesses EDA Minutes of August 18, 2025 Page 2 of 3 Page 5 of 24  e. Window clings/posters – so businesses can outwardly show their support for the initiative Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays 9. DIRECTOR’S REPORT 9.1 Director’s Report 10. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Commissioner Bernatz and seconded by Commissioner Lien to adjourn the meeting at 6:50 pm. Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays Respectfully submitted, Shirley R Buecksler City Clerk EDA Minutes of August 18, 2025 Page 3 of 3 Page 6 of 24  ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA MEMO To: Economic Development Authority From: Shirley Buecksler, City Clerk Department: Administration Subject: Minutes of the October 20, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority Meeting Meeting: Economic Development Authority - Nov 17 2025 INTRODUCTION: Minutes of the October 20, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority Meeting are attached for review and approval. ACTION REQUESTED: Approve the minutes of the October 20, 2025 Regular Economic Development Authority Meeting. ATTACHMENTS: 10.20.25 EDA Minutes Page 7 of 24  City of Farmington Economic Development Authority Regular Meeting Minutes Monday, October 20, 2025 The Farmington Economic Development Authority met in regular session on Monday, October 20, 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 Jake Cordes, Nick Lien, and Steve Wilson Members Absent: Councilmember Holly Bernatz Staff Present: Lynn Gorski, City Administrator David Chanski, Asst. City Administrator/HR Director Deanna Kuennen, EDA Executive Director Stephanie Aman, Economic Development Coordinator Also Present: University of Minnesota Extension Staff: Brigid Tuck, Senior Economic Impact Analyst Neil Linscheid, State Specialist of Entrepreneurship 4. APPROVE AGENDA Motion was made by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Commissioner Cordes 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 Monthly Financial Report 6.3 Quarterly Report – Open to Business (Q3 2025) EDA Minutes of October 20, 2025 Page 1 of 2 Page 8 of 24  Motion was made by Commissioner Cordes and seconded by Commissioner Lien to approve the Consent Agenda, as presented. Motion carried: 4 ayes / 0 nays 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 8. DISCUSSION ITEMS 8.1 Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Discussion Brigid Tuck and Neil Linscheid from the University of Minnesota Extension presented to the EDA and focused on economic trends and data relevant to the region, offering insights to support strategic planning and development efforts. The EDA and Staff participated in a robust conversation with the discussion contributing to ongoing initiatives around local economic growth. 9. DIRECTOR’S REPORT 9.1 Director’s Report 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:45 pm. Respectfully submitted, Shirley R Buecksler City Clerk EDA Minutes of October 20, 2025 Page 2 of 2 Page 9 of 24  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 - Nov 17 2025 INTRODUCTION: Attached is the monthly Financial Report for November 2025. DISCUSSION: Attached is the monthly Finance Report for November 2025. The report includes a summary of the approved 2025 budget and year-to-date expenditures. ACTION REQUESTED: Accept the Monthly Financial Report. ATTACHMENTS: 11-2025 YTD Financial Report Page 10 of 24  11-2025 Financial Report Business Object Account Actual Budget Unit Account Description 2025 2025 Notes 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 3510 UNRESERVED FUND BALANCE -411,501.80 Unaudited fund balance 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 4011 CURRENT PROPERTY TAX -125,000.00 -250,000.00 2025 EDA Levy 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 4516 ADMINISTRATION FEES - PROJECTS 0.00 0.00 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 4955 INTEREST ON INVESTMENTS -20,364.34 -2,600.00 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 4960 GAIN/LOSS INVEST MKT VALUE 0.00 -252,600.00 TOTAL REVENUE 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6210 OFFICE SUPPLIES 0.00 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6220 EQUIP SUPPLIES & PARTS 159.99 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6280 BOOKS & SUBSCRIPTIONS 1,426.51 150.00 Branded materials for events 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6401 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 23,648.10 25,000.00 CivicSend Newsletter Modual,Bus. Journal Subscipt., Grocery Study, PR Services 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6403 LEGAL 311.00 3,000.00 LAHA JPA Review 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6426 INSURANCE 337.20 600.00 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6445 POSTAGE/SHIPPING FEES 0.00 1,000.00 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6450 OUTSIDE PRINTING 2,148.54 3,000.00 Marketing Materials, Branded Attire, Signage, 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6455 LEGAL NOTICES 0.00 500.00 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6460 MEMBER DUES & LICENSURE 8,060.00 8,500.00 MidAm EDC, DRC Membership, EDAM, CVN, McCAR (new) 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6470 TRAINING & SUBSISTANCE 5,773.11 5,000.00 EDAM Winter/Summer, ULI, Next25, MAEDC Conf, EDAM on the Road, MAEDC Board Mtg (new) 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6480 MEETING EXPENSE 304.44 500.00 Business Summit, AI Training 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6485 MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT 676.62 5,100.00 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6492 ADVERTISING 0.00 0.00 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6505 EQUIPMENT REPAIR/MAINTENANCE 0.00 1,000.00 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6550 DEVELOPER PAYMENTS 0.00 50,000.00 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 6570 PROGRAMMING EXPENSE 18,709.00 85,000.00 MREJ Sponsorship, Open to Business, MREJ Awards Sponsorship, AI For Business Training (new) 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 7310 OPERATING TRANSFERS 0.00 0.00 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 7420 OTHER 0.00 0.00 61,554.51 188,350.00 YTD Actual Expenditures/Budget -191,045.49 Unexpended Funds Total 2000 - HRA/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 0.00 -64,250.00 Page 11 of 24  ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA MEMO To: Economic Development Authority From: Deanna Kuennen, Community & Economic Development Director Department: EDA Subject: Final EDA Levy Request - FY 2026 Meeting: Economic Development Authority - Nov 17 2025 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 in the amount of $150,000. Now that the levy is established, annually the EDA must pass a resolution requesting an 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 the City adopts and certifies 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 - and a final levy request that is submitted to the City to be included in the final levy that is adopted and certified in December. Per State Statues, the maximum EDA levy allowed is 0.01813% of the taxable market value. The proposed maximum levy request for FY 2026 is $250,000 - which is well below the maximum levy amount allowed: These funds will be used to support broad economic development initiatives and the City's Page 12 of 24 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  Year 2026 - $250,000 BUDGET IMPACT: $250,000 to be included in the 2026 budget if approved by City Council. ACTION REQUESTED: Adopt Resolution 2025-03 Approving Final Economic Development Authority Levy Request for 2026. ATTACHMENTS: 2025-03 Approving Final EDA Levy Request for 2026 Page 13 of 24  ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF FARMINGTON DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA RESOLUTION 2025-03 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A FINAL EDA LEVY REQUEST FOR 2026 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 2026 budget. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Economic Development Authority of the City of Farmington that it approves and recommends a final 2026 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 November 2025. ATTEST: ____________________________ ______________________________ Joshua Hoyt, Chair Deanna Kuennen, Executive Director Page 14 of 24  ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA MEMO To: Economic Development Authority From: Deanna Kuennen, Community & Economic Development Director Department: EDA Subject: Introductions and Primer - EXPO 2031 Minnesota, USA Meeting: Economic Development Authority - Nov 17 2025 INTRODUCTION: Over the course of the last year, there have been more and more conversations happening regarding Expo 2031 Minnesota, USA coming to the Dakota County region. To better understand what Expo 2031 is, why Minnesota, and to explore engagement pathways and potential opportunities for Farmington - Staff has been meeting with Wendy Meadley, CEO for Expo 2031 Minnesota, USA and her team. During these meetings we have gained more insights into the scale, nature, and global impact of these expos, timelines, and how Farmington may be able to get involved. Wendy Meadley has been invited to present to the EDA a primer on EXPO 2031 Minnesota, USA and start a conversation to explore if and how Farmington could participate. DISCUSSION: Expo 2031 Minnesota, USA - Human / Nature - Where Humanity and Horticulture Meet. Minnesota, USA | May-October 2031 Expo 2031 will be the first AIPH 1 International Horticultural Exhibition in the United States. This will be part world's fair, part horticulture and agriculture innovation showcase that has the potential to attract a worldwide audience and generate economic impact for Minnesota's workforce, businesses, and long-term development. The founding partners, investors, innovation collaborators, and stakeholders have been working diligently to receive their global classifications and approvals. To share the history of Expo 2031 and engage in a conversation regarding what a possible extension of Expo 2031 in Farmington could mean, the following will attend the meeting: Wendy Meadley, CEO, Expo 2031 Minnesota, USA Andy Mielke, SVP, SRF Consulting Group Attached is an Expo 2031 Minnesota, USA Primer fact sheet with talking points highlighting basic information about who, why, and what is Expo 2031, and additional information can be found here: Expo 2031 Minnesota, USA | World Horticultural Exposition Page 15 of 24 BUDGET IMPACT: Not applicable ACTION REQUESTED: No action requested. This will be a presentation followed by discussion to explore pathways for involvement in Expo 2031. ATTACHMENTS: Expo2031 MINNESOTA USA_Primer 11.25 Page 16 of 24 Expo 2031 Minnesota, USA Primer Theme: Human / Nature — Where Humanity and Horticulture Meet Minnesota, USA | May–October 2031 What Is Expo 2031? The first AIPH A1 International Horticultural Exhibition in the United States—part world’s fair, part horticulture and agriculture innovation showcase, generating major economic impact for Minnesota’s workforce, businesses, and long-term development. Why Minnesota? Minnesota is the perfect place in the United States to host a horticulture- and agriculture-centric expo. The state brings together global leadership in plants, food systems, water, health, clean energy, and technology— and has the proven muscle to host major national events and convene industries at scale. With a 240-acre site and a collaborative ecosystem of world-class partners, Minnesota is uniquely positioned to deliver an exposition of global significance. The Big Idea / Convening U.S. Consumers & Businesses to focus on a Collective Future Prosperity Our Human / Nature theme explores how humanity and ecosystems shape one another—through gardens, climate-aligned biodomes, pavilions, consumer entertainment experiences, technology, food systems, wellbeing, and cultural expression. Right-sized master site and legacy planning & programming set the stage. Expo Climate Zones The Expo Climate Zone structure organizes the entire site into five immersive biome-based districts each serving as a living stage for global horticulture, agriculture, technology, and cultural storytelling. Expo Zones include: Arid, Tropical, Temperate, Continental, and North Star (Minnesota identity zone) Visitor Experience Country pavilions, garden biodome worlds, thematic pavilions, agricultural innovations, nightly shows, culinary venues, the “floating” USA Pavilion centerpiece, and immersive multimedia attractions. Who Is Building Expo 2031? Expo 2031 Minnesota, USA- legal organizing entity (rights holder), the Global Horticulture Council (committee structure), and corporate investor partners across agriculture, horticulture, technology, water, energy, healthcare/wellbeing, tourism, entertainment and retail sectors. Why It Matters A global platform for horticulture, agriculture, climate resilience, and bioeconomy leadership; a diplomatic and cultural bridge for the U.S.; and a long-term economic and development catalyst for Minnesota. Engagement Pathways Founding Partners, Investor Partners/Future Suppliers, Committee Member/Chair roles, Pavilion sponsors, Expo Zone Leads, and innovation collaborators, Civic leaders, County and City stakeholders. Timeline Highlights 2025 – AIPH approval, U.S. / State / County alignment, Committees 2026–27 Global Horticulture Council organization & Site Master Plan 2027 – Engagement Delegations to Expo 2027 Belgrade & Yokohama 2027–2030 – Site Construction & Partner Activation 2031 – Expo 2031 open May–October Post 2031- Legacy & Foundation Transition Legacy District Development Expo 2031 is America’s first international horticultural expo—uniting humanity, nature, innovation, and culture to shape a better future including the establishment a long-term mixed-use development and tourism legacies among others yet to be collaboratively defined by local stakeholders. Expo 2031 Minnesota, USA www.expo2031.org / contact@expo2031.org ©2023-25 All rights reserved. Page 17 of 24  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 - Nov 17 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 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: 11-2025 meeting Page 18 of 24 Reporting DIRECTOR’S REPORT – providing project highlights and a summary of economic Period: development activity. November 2025 • Rye Apartments Development Team Farmington celebrated the Grand Opening of the Rye Apartments with the Projects & Yellow Tree Leadership Team and their construction crews and partners on Initiatives Wednesday, October 29. This is a beautiful addition to the Farmington community. Rye Apartments | Apartments For Rent in Farmington, MN Follow along: https://youtu.be/b5M_hJyF-7o **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 • Request For Information (RFIs) Prospects 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. Page 19 of 24  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. Project Gamma – DID NOT SUBMIT – seeking existing building, minimum, 250,ooo SF in size for AI and robotics company. Project Green – SUBMITTED sites for consideration – distribution hub seeking industrial 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. • 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 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 Page 20 of 24  o CERRON Commercial Properties, LLC o G. M. / Acumen Business Solutions, LLC o Upland Real Estate Group o Cushing Terrell o Remain RE / APPRO • 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. 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. • Ribbon Cuttings/Open House Rye Apartments hosted a ribbon cutting celebration for its staff, residents and city staff to celebrate the opening of Rye Apartments. Currently 45% leased for available units, they are off to a strong start in Farmington! Page 21 of 24  Staff also celebrated with the Parks and Rec department and students and staff from Boeckman Middle School, the opening of Westview Acres Park. • Dakota County Regional Chamber, Coffee Break On October 28, the City hosted its annual coffee break. There was strong attendance of approximately 30 individuals, both local and other members. Attendees enjoyed Beans and Boots coffee and Sweet Kneads pastries. Mayor Hoyt also took the opportunity offered and kicked his Men Wear Pink field goal challenge. • 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 work aligns, and Page 22 of 24  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 University of Minnesota Extension Office – October GreaterMSP DEED Utility Partners – Xcel, Dakota Electric, Northern Natural Gas • MREE September – staff were invited and participated in the Minnesota Real Estate Exchange meeting. This organization is different than MREJ and opened conversations with different brokers on actionable items. Staff plan to be more involved in this organization in 2026. • MREJ – Summits/Conferences/Awards Staff tabled at the MREJ Industrial Summit. 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. • Other Speaking/Presentation Invitations & Commitments o November – Staff attended the Minnesota Commercial Association of Real Estate (MNCAR) Expo. 500+ experts in the commercial real estate industry were in attendance, along with representatives from DEED, GreaterMSP, Minnesota Chamber, and others. Many conversations were had and Staff will continue to follow up based on those conversations and leads. o November – Staff attended and participated in the Mid-America Economic Development Council (MAEDC) Board retreat. Work involved planning for the summer 2026 conference and other learning/networking opportunities. • Economic Development Website Staff is working on updating the economic development content, in stages, on the city’s website. The purpose is 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 and other updates have been made to the business resource section. Staff will now turn their focus to the developer portion of the site. • 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. Page 23 of 24  o AI For Business – Part 2 With the success of our first in a series of collaborations with Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) and Inver Hills Community College and feedback received by businesses that participated, a second training is being offered by back Matt Boudinot from DCTC who will present a deep dive into AI. The target date is Wednesday, January 21, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the Dakota County Library in Farmington. 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): • 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. Page 24 of 24