Forest Lake EDA holds off major work-plan changes pending council strategic plan; hears broadband and housing updates

The Forest Lake Economic Development Authority reviewed its current work plan and, at staff's recommendation, agreed to delay significant revisions until the City Council completes a strategic planning session planned for Oct. 25 so the council's strategic priorities can help shape EDA work.

Abby, an EDA staff member, told the authority the existing work plan contains many potential projects and that staff had grouped proposals into categories including policy, business assistance, beautification, area planning, housing, land sales and development, community marketing and advocacy. She recommended the EDA extend the current plan into 2026 but pause major updates until after the council's retreat so the EDA's work can align with council direction.

Members expressed support for refining the plan rather than a wholesale rewrite. Commissioners noted that some items are complete, others are no longer relevant, and that staff capacity constrains how many new initiatives the EDA can take on. Staff said several development entitlement applications are active and that staff recently filled the planning manager position and has made an offer on a building official; a planner hire is pending.

Staff updated the EDA on two community initiatives: Midco's Border-to-Border broadband project and the state's Local Affordable Housing Aid (LAHA) program. Abby said Midco completed its build and about 250 properties (including roughly 10—12 businesses) became eligible for Midco service; the council had committed $50,000 toward the project. On LAHA, staff said the EDA and Council prioritized homeowner rehabilitation for households at roughly 80—00% AMI; Washington County CDA has agreed to administer the city's LAHA dollars at no cost and the city has a reserve of roughly $200,000 to begin distribution. Council consideration of an administration agreement is scheduled for the next week.

The chamber reported rising membership and several new business openings and flagged upcoming events including the chamber's annual gala on Nov. 6 and Hometown Holiday on Dec. 6.

Procedural votes: the EDA approved the meeting agenda and then approved the consent agenda (minutes from the Aug. 4 meeting); the consent vote was recorded with one abstention by a member who said they had not attended the prior meeting.

Next steps: staff will take council direction from the strategic planning session into account before proposing substantive EDA work-plan changes, will improve public reporting of development applications on the city website, and will return to the EDA with more detailed proposals and cost estimates at the November meeting.