Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Moorhead EDA approves 2026 preliminary budget, increases entrepreneurial supports
Summary
On Nov. 3 the Moorhead Economic Development Authority unanimously approved its 2026 preliminary budget, including modest levy growth, added funding for a Sparks Center for Entrepreneurship, an increase to the West Central SBDC allocation and a small contract increase for Downtown Moorhead Inc.; the EDA also approved Sept. 8 meeting minutes.
The Moorhead Economic Development Authority voted unanimously on Nov. 3 to approve its 2026 preliminary budget after hearing staff outline modest increases to entrepreneurial services and continued downtown redevelopment support.
Amy, speaking as the EDA staff lead, told members the proposed 2026 budget includes a modest levy increase that "is anticipated to be absorbed through the natural growth of the city." Amy listed targeted increases including roughly $20,000 in added funding for curation, coordination and partnership development for a Sparks Center for Entrepreneurship and a $5,000 increase in support for the West Central Minnesota Small Business Development Center at M State.
Amy also said the EDA would continue its contract with Downtown Moorhead Inc., with a listed increase of just under $4,000, and that a line labeled as a transfer to reserves will be used to support downtown redevelopment and future projects. When asked about the reserve balance, Amy said she would provide the exact figure later and noted the reserve is "north of a million."
A board member moved to approve the budget; a second was received and the motion carried on a voice vote. No roll-call vote or numerical split was recorded in the meeting minutes. The board had earlier moved and approved the Sept. 8 meeting minutes by voice vote.
In discussion, members emphasized building reserves in advance of potential large projects and noted continued coordination with partners including the Building Industry Association of Fargo-Moorhead and the Luminary for the Sparks Center. Amy described the proposed Sparks Center funding as intended to support the Luminary's curation work and allow the SBDC to expand services in a community-facing space.
Votes at a glance
- Approval of Sept. 8 meeting minutes: Moved by Moore; seconded by Sobolek; voice vote; outcome: approved.
- Approval of 2026 preliminary EDA budget: Mover not specified in transcript; second not specified in transcript; voice vote; outcome: approved. Tally: unanimous of members present (7 present at roll call).
The EDA will forward the approved preliminary budget for final action by the city council on Dec. 8, per the approval timeline in the packet.
