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Brainerd EDA reviews 2024 measurables, adopts preliminary 2025 framework and schedules April workshop on Washington Street, signage and childcare
Summary
Staff presented 2024 activities and measurables, and the EDA discussed a preliminary 2025 framework, an open-items tracking approach, and an April workshop agenda that will focus on Washington Street reconstruction, signage standards, commercial childcare, and façade improvements.
At the March 6 meeting the Brainerd City Economic Development Authority reviewed a 2024 summary of EDA activities and approved a preliminary framework to guide consultant work for 2025–26. The board also set the topics for an April workshop, with an emphasis on Washington Street reconstruction, downtown signage, commercial childcare, and façade improvement programs.
Staff summarized 2024 highlights: the EDA website became fully operational; Camp Realty was contracted to install “for sale” signs in the industrial park; the EDA recommended a marketing strategy to market city-owned industrial property at a set dollar-per-acre if objectives are met; and the EDA recommended—and the city council approved—a River To Rails District extension and a blended tax abatement structure for Country Manor (100% abatement for the first three years). The EDA allocated $20,534 for four improvement projects in 2024, with a fifth project expected this spring.
On the 2025 framework, staff said they have scope-of-service contracts with four consultants—BlaDeck, DDBC, Swanson Consulting and Visit Brainerd—and that a first-quarter consultants meeting would follow the EDA meeting to refine the framework. The board discussed adopting a running, agenda-ready open-items tracker that would list each open or dormant item and its current status; staff indicated the tracker could be an Excel file placed in each packet so the board and public can follow progress. James Kramvik said, “I think this would be a good path forward for the EDA,” when asked about adopting a tracking system.
For the April workshop staff recommended a 90-minute meeting and proposed ordering agenda topics by priority: (1) Washington Street reconstruction and the EDA’s role, including mitigation planning and coordination with the HRA’s small cities grant work; (2) downtown and Washington Street signage and possible matching grants; (3) commercial childcare centers (results from tours and potential ordinance/fee/grant changes); and (4) façade improvement tweaks and continuation of the 2025 grant program. The EDA approved the April workshop agenda by voice vote.
Discussion vs. decision: the EDA did not take final policy action on Washington Street reconstruction, signage ordinances, or childcare ordinance changes at the March 6 meeting; it approved an agenda and directed staff and consultants to prepare materials for the April workshop and consultant meeting.
The board asked staff to add HRA grant activity and mitigation-budget scenarios to Washington Street agenda items and to return with an organized open-items tracker for future packets.
