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Crosslake EDA examines sales-tax options and a commercial MLS to lure businesses
Summary
EDA members discussed creating a Crosslake-specific commercial MLS, relying on BLAEDC data for traffic metrics, and exploring visitor-focused sales-tax measures; City Administrator Lori Conway will provide a list of sales-tax requirements at the next meeting.
The Crosslake Economic Development Authority spent significant time discussing how to attract and support businesses, weighing a Crosslake-specific commercial MLS platform and possible sales-tax strategies intended to fund infrastructure and business-attraction efforts.
Members noted BLAEDC is working with the Brainerd EDA to build a platform for commercial listings and that research is needed to determine how many commercial properties in Crosslake are actually available and whether to rely on realtors or owner-posted listings. The potential platform was described as "relatively inexpensive" in the meeting record.
The EDA also debated how a local sales tax might be used to attract businesses and fund improvements such as roads, wastewater and other infrastructure. City Administrator Lori Conway was asked to provide a comprehensive list of sales-tax requirements at the next meeting so members can better understand legal and administrative constraints. The group discussed design options that would focus tax measures on visitors rather than residents.
Members referenced a 2023 survey that indicated demand for a greater variety of groceries and more events; some members suggested posting events prominently on the city website and coordinating with the Chamber of Commerce, which already promotes events and attendance.
Next steps recorded by the EDA include follow-up research on available commercial properties, review of the sales-tax requirements to be provided by city staff and further discussion about whether to prioritize events and tourism-driven promotions over direct property-marketing efforts.
