Economic Development Authority

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) is a public corporation empowered to undertake certain types of economic development projects. The EDA is the economic development arm of the City Council and handles all types of city economic development projects. Projects may include such activities as acquiring, developing, improving, and disposing of property, entering into contracts, and operating and maintaining public affairs.

The EDA meets on the third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The EDA is comprised of four council members and three citizens. The term of office for the council members coincides with the term of office for City Council. The term of office for citizen members is six years.

EDA Members

CORY GRUPA     
612.369.3055 • Term Expires: 12/31/26

JEFF HARTWIG - Treasurer
612.363.3587 • Term Expires: 12/31/29

MATTHEW T. WESTGAARD - President
612.889.6794 • Term Expires: 12/31/30

J. BRIAN CALVA     
612.282.8365 • Term Expires: 12/31/28

MIKE BEYER     
763.241.3949 • Term Expires: 12/31/28

JENNIFER WAGNER - Vice President
612.741.1619 • Term Expires: 12/31/26

CHARLIE BLESENER     
763.238.7495 • Term Expires: 12/31/28

Click Here to View the Most Current Agendas and Minutes

Joint Finance Committee

The Joint Finance Committee provides the EDA with a technical and politically neutral analysis of applications including microloan, tax abatement, and tax increment financing applications. They meet as needed on the last Tuesday of the month at 7:30 a.m. 

The Joint Finance Committee is comprised of nine members: two EDA commissioners , two HRA commissioners, and five at large members representing various constituencies, including banking, real estate, law, and the general community. Current members are:

  • EDA: Matt Westgaard 
  • EDA: Charlie Blesener
  • HRA: Lynn Caswell
  • HRA: Nate Ovall
  • Banking: Chad Vitzthum
  • Banking: Tony Sofio
  • Legal: Rhonda J. Magnussen
  • Real Estate: Ryan Hardin
  • At Large: Jim Gromberg

Beautification and Public Art Committee

The Beautification and Public Art Committee serves to recognize business owners who have made an effort to clean, repair, improve, and enhance the overall aesthetics of their property to maintain the beauty of their neighborhood. This committee encourages community improvements while enhancing our city’s visual image and economic vitality. In addition, this committee is tasked with supporting and securing additional public art in the community. They meet on the third Monday of each month.

Each fall, the Beautification and Public Art Committee announces the winner of the Beautification Award.

The Beautification and Public Art Committee is comprised of six members: one member representing Sherburne County Master Gardeners (SCMG), one member representing the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce (ERACC), two EDA commissioners, and two members at large. Current members are:

  • SCMG: Deb Hjermstad
  • ERACC: Ryan Hardin
  • EDA: Cory Grupa
  • EDA: J. Brian Calva
  • At Large: Nic Hahn
  • At Large: Melissa McAlpine

Together Elk River Committee

The Together Elk River Committee serves to facilitate the Together Elk River Campaign which is a community initiative to encourage, engage, and support local businesses, non-profits, and neighbors to keep the local economy thriving. They meet on the third Monday of each month. 

The Together Elk River Committee is comprised of five members: one member representing the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce (ERACC), two EDA commissioners, and two members at large. Current members are:

  • ERACC: Debbi Rydberg
  • EDA: Charlie Blesener
  • EDA: Jennifer Wagner
  • At Large: Joanna Arbic
  • At Large: Tamara Ackerman