Stearns County board narrowly backs resolution to pursue federal EDA economic development district

The Stearns County Board of Commissioners voted to approve a resolution of support to pursue formation of an Economic Development District recognized by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, with the Initiative Foundation proposed as fiscal sponsor and administrative host.

County administration introduced the measure as a step to apply for EDA designation across a multi-county region, citing a previously completed certified economic development strategy (SEDS) and past efforts to create an EDD. Dan Weber, assistant county administrator for Sherburne County, and Brian Verting, president of the Initiative Foundation, described the foundation’s role as fiscal host and as an administrative conduit for federal economic development funds.

Supporters said the EDD would create a formal governance structure to centralize applications for federal infrastructure and economic development dollars and to help smaller communities access funding they lack capacity to pursue alone. Verting told the board the Initiative Foundation would manage administrative functions and provide fiduciary oversight.

Opponents and questioners pressed for clarity about governance, distribution of funds and participation by neighboring counties. Several commissioners said they want greater assurance the structure will not favor larger cities; others raised concerns that not all counties may join. Board members discussed the history of earlier regional attempts to form an EDD, noting a previous 2016 effort that did not receive federal approval because the proposed host organization did not meet EDA requirements. Commissioners emphasized that the SEDS plan had been updated and that the Initiative Foundation serves all four counties under consideration.

Commissioner Clark moved to approve the resolution of support. The roll-call vote as read at the meeting recorded Commissioners Knott, Persky and Clark voting aye and Commissioner Burdsham voting no; the resolution passed by a 3–1 margin. Chair Bertram stated for the record that she had voted against the resolution but would sign the document.

Board members asked that final membership and governance documents return to county boards for approval if the region proceeds with application materials. County staff and the Initiative Foundation said the EDD application and governance rules would be refined as the process continued.

Why it matters: An EDA-recognized EDD can be a formal channel to apply for federal economic development grants and planning funds that may be difficult for individual small cities or counties to access alone. Commissioners said the structure could help smaller central Minnesota communities compete for infrastructure, housing and economic development projects, but several members asked for clearer guardrails on governance and distribution before committing further action.

What happens next: The resolution approved support for pursuing an EDD designation and initiating application work; officials said the application would be refined and that the board would receive subsequent, more detailed documents about governance and any required local commitments before final approval.