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MEMORANDUM TO: Ken Wagner, Chairman of Economic Development Commission FROM: Chris Thibodeau, Economic Development, intern DATE: July 17, 1990 SUBJECT: The Economic Development Authority I contacted cities around the Ramsey area to find out if they had an Economic Development Authority (E.D.A.). I asked why they did or did not have an E.D.A., how many members were on the E.D.A., and how much time the members have to put in. The City of Andover staled that it did not have an Economic Development Authority. The City felt that the Housing and Redevelopment Authority was enough for them. Their City Council is the H.R.A. They did not see a need right now for an E.D.A. The City of Anoka stated that it did not have an Economic Development Authority. The City felt that the Housing and Redevelopment Authority was enough for them. They have looked into creating an E.D.A. but found at this time that there was not enough benefit or need for an E.D.A. The City of Blaine stated that it did have an Economic Development Authority. There are seven members - six council members plus the mayor. They meet about 20 to 25 times per year, and that is usually right before their scheduled City Council meetings. Blaine stated that it was beneficial to the City because the E.D.A. had the power to decide what activities to undertake, to add additional taxes beyond a set levy, and they have the powers of the H.R.A. (The City will be sending some information regarding their E.D.A.) The City of Brooklyn Center stated that it did have an Economic Development Authority. There are five members and they are all members of the City Council. The E.D.A. meets twice per month either before or after the scheduled City Council meeting. The meetings usually last about 30 minutes. They established the E.D.A. because of a project that they wanted to do and they needed the legal entity to do it. The City of Brooklyn Park stated that it did have an Economic Development Authority. There are seven members - six council members plus the mayor. The E.D.A. meets the first Monday of the month. The E.D.A. will meet more often depending upon the number of projects that they have in progress and when there are recommendations from the City Council. The City of Champlin stated that it did not have an Economic Development Authority. Their Economic Development Commission makes recommendations to the City Council regarding issues that promote and retain economic growth in the City and the City Council acts on their recommendations.