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EDA hears developer feedback and EDAM conference takeaways on marketing and workforce
Summary
At its Oct. 22 meeting the EDA reviewed developer feedback on lot sales, discussed marketing ideas such as listing mockups and state interest‑rate buy‑downs, and heard EDAM conference takeaways emphasizing strong website and CRM practices and workforce training paths.
EDA staff briefed the board on developer feedback aimed at improving lot sales and marketing, and shared takeaways from the recent EDAM (Economic Development Association of Minnesota) conference.
Developers told staff that homebuilding can be slower on Minnesota border areas because some buyers choose the North Dakota side. Suggestions included asking the state to consider interest‑rate buy‑downs to make lots more affordable and creating 'ghost posts' or mockups that show how a house could fit on a lot to help prospective buyers visualize possibilities. Board members cautioned that mockups should not appear to endorse a particular builder and discussed differences in covenants and zoning across lot areas.
Maggie reported on EDAM sessions and highlighted that the EDA’s website, CRM and social media work have positioned the community well with site selectors and prospective employers. She also noted a conference statistic — reported in a regional article — that roughly 75% of Minnesota jobs do not require a four‑year degree, underscoring the role technical colleges in local workforce development.
Board members asked staff to explore marketing mockups by zone and to continue outreach to potential partners and lenders for incentive ideas. Staff will follow up on developer contacts and provide options for visual listings and state‑level incentive conversations.
