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EDA, Greater MBA coordinate support as Center Avenue construction approaches
Summary
Greater MBA proposed a "Tour de Cones" and related 'MBA crawls' to help businesses during expanded Center Avenue closures; the EDA and staff discussed communications, a contractor business liaison for the MNDOT project, monthly public meetings and other measures to maintain access and patronage.
A Greater MBA proposal and a series of staff updates at the June 1 Moorhead EDA meeting focused on how the city and business groups plan to support downtown businesses during expanding Center Avenue construction.
"Center Avenue is going to be closing down even more... we're going to do an event called Tour de Cones," Stacia Sites, executive director of the Greater MBA, told the authority, asking that the EDA share social‑media posts and help promote an informational meeting for affected businesses on June 8 from 6:00–7:00 p.m. She said participating businesses will be asked to create promotions or events to draw customers and that the MBA will run "MBA crawls" to guide visitors through affected blocks.
EDA members expressed support. Councilmember Del White suggested designating a night when commissioners and council members join the crawl to promote affected businesses. Staff and members discussed the construction timeline: economic development staff said bidding is ongoing and heavier closures are expected late June through August, and that the project will require detours in some locations.
Staff noted there is an appointed contractor business liaison for the Minnesota Department of Transportation project—the contractor is Ames Construction—and that a communications contact and liaison are available to coordinate with businesses. The city also said it will continue "coffee and construction" public meetings (resumed as a monthly series) to keep business owners informed and coordinate signage, detours and potential behind‑business access improvements where feasible.
Why it matters: EDA members emphasized the importance of maintaining existing businesses even as downtown construction and long‑term redevelopment proceed. Staff pledged ongoing outreach and asked businesses and partners to share ideas for additional support measures.
Next steps: Greater MBA will hold the June 8 informational meeting for businesses; staff will circulate contractor liaison contact information and continue monthly public meetings to update businesses on construction timing.
