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Brainerd EDA hears mitigation plan for Washington Street work; staff to seek budget funding
Summary
The Brainerd EDA heard a mitigation plan for businesses affected by Washington Street reconstruction and was told the chamber will contribute funds and host business meetings; staff proposed including $20,000 in the EDA budget to support mitigation activities.
At its Dec. 4 meeting, the Brainerd Economic Development Authority heard a presentation on a mitigation plan to support businesses during the upcoming Washington Street reconstruction.
Matt Killian, speaking for the local chamber, described a community‑facing mix of communications, business liaison services and decentralized events intended to limit the economic impact on small businesses during the two‑year construction period. "This project is for all businesses that are going to be impacted by the construction," Killian said, adding that chamber members and nonmembers would be treated equally.
Killian outlined several mitigation elements: a web and social‑media hub to supplement MDOT outreach, a business liaison to relay contractor information to affected businesses, targeted business workshops and marketing support. He said the chamber planned two business engagement meetings—Jan. 27 at 7:30 a.m. and Jan. 28 at 3:00 p.m.—to gather input and prioritize training and event ideas.
The chamber reported it would contribute $10,000 from its foundation and said it expected to raise additional private matching funds. Earlier workshop materials showed EDA interest in $20,000 for mitigation in 2026 and $10,000 in 2027. At the meeting, staff told the board it would propose $20,000 in the EDA budget to support mitigation work. "Staff is proposing to put the $20,000 in the budget for this year," staff said during the discussion.
Board members discussed options for a contractor‑appointed liaison and the possibility of a contract stipulation requiring that role; Killian said local firms could serve as easier communication partners if they win the work. Commissioners also discussed tradeoffs between using EDA reserves for mitigation versus other downtown programs.
Next steps: staff will include the mitigation funding proposal in the EDA’s 2026 budget for the board’s consideration, the chamber will host the January business meetings to solicit priorities from merchants, and the consultant team will continue planning community outreach and liaison options.
