Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Childcare Incentives topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Brainerd EDA asks staff to draft childcare incentive policy for commercial and home providers
Summary
The EDA directed staff to draft a childcare incentive policy after discussing waiving certain permit fees and the eligibility question for both commercial centers and home daycares; board members suggested raising the valuation threshold above the $150,000 model used for River to Rails.
The Brainerd Economic Development Authority asked staff June 5 to draft a childcare incentive policy that would apply to both commercial childcare centers and home‑based providers.
Staff (James) reviewed a proposal discussed at an April workshop and described staff’s initial recommendation—modeled on an existing River‑to‑Rails incentive—with a $150,000 valuation threshold and potential waivers of building permit and land‑use fees. Board members debated whether incentives should apply to both commercial centers and home daycare providers and whether the $150,000 threshold remains appropriate. One board member noted that an increase to $250,000–$300,000 (or higher) might be more realistic given current construction costs; another suggested considering a $450,000 target for some projects.
James said staff will draft a formal policy for the board to review at the next meeting; if the EDA approves it, the policy would then go to the city council for adoption.
Board members emphasized that encouraging home daycares could quickly expand care capacity: several members said supporting both types of providers would add spots faster than waiting for large commercial expansions.
