How the City of Elk River Economic Development Authority Supports Businesses and Residents

When a new business opens in the City of Elk River, residents rush to support it. They want to see local entrepreneurs, franchisees, or newly-arrived companies thrive, while also enjoying the products and services they provide. However, the process to open that business starts long before construction teams break ground on a parcel of land. Businesses are often actively recruited to the area and guided through the building process. The Economic Development Authority (EDA) is an important driver of economic growth.

“We try to be the best advocates for businesses within government,” says Brent O'Neil, Economic Development Director for the City of Elk River. “We’re an approachable group that can either help people directly or show them where they can get their questions answered.”

If you aren’t familiar with the EDA, now is a great time to learn what it does. Here’s the impact economic development has on the City of Elk River and how you can get involved in the future of this region. 

The EDA Provides Multiple Services for Business Owners

At first glance, you might not realize just how valuable the EDA is. O'Neil makes up half of his department and is supported by Josh Mollan, the Economic Development Specialist for the city. Even though there are only two of them, they make the EDA a powerful force for the City of Elk River. A few services they provide include:

• Helping businesses navigate city processes. 
• Guiding new companies through city permits and requirements. 
• Providing technical assistance related to accessing services, grants, and tools. 
• Connecting businesses to local, state, and federal opportunities. 
• Recruiting new businesses to the area. 
• Fostering partnerships between local businesses.
• Buying and selling land for development and construction.

Generally, the EDA supports the needs of businesses while recruiting new ones. However, when you dive deeper into what that means, the responsibilities of O'Neil and Mollan start to grow. Their job is to create a healthy ecosystem within the City of Elk River, helping businesses work together, rather than having them compete against each other.

“Recruiting new business to Elk River really enhances our community’s economic viability,” says O'Neil. “It strengthens the offerings we have for the community, it helps create a stable local economy.”

The EDA also supports both commercial and industrial businesses. It works with companies that most residents don’t see or engage with on a day-to-day basis.  

The EDA is Different from the Chamber of Commerce

The City of Elk River EDA and the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce are two different organizations, but there is value in following both. The Chamber does an excellent job supporting existing businesses in the area, while the EDA works to bring in new companies and foster growth in existing ones. Both the Chamber and EDA work together to make Elk River a vibrant business community.

“We have a mutual interest in seeing each other succeed,” says Mollan. “Many of our goals overlap and we each have programs that support new and existing businesses in the area.”  

The next thing to know is that the City of Elk River EDA is not a member-based organization. Anyone who wants to get involved can participate in its committees and contribute to Elk River's development. Moreover, the public is encouraged to attend the monthly EDA meetings to stay up to date on community projects and voice their opinions on relevant topics.

“We represent all businesses equally,” says Mollan. 

Residents Can Have a Say in the Development of Elk River

O'Neil and Mollan don’t work alone. They lead multiple committees that support Elk River's economic development. These committees are open to the public, which means any business owner or resident who wants to get involved can attend or serve on them.

The commissions and committees range from city beautification to housing and finance. There is also a committee that supports the Together Elk River Campaign, which aims to elevate local businesses while marketing the city to visitors and residents alike. Whatever your strengths are, whether you are a creative person or finance-minded, there is a place for you on an EDA committee.    

Other ways to get involved with the EDA include attending the networking events and opportunities that it hosts. These are great ways to meet other business owners and discuss important issues related to growth and development in the City of Elk River.

Finally, be receptive to the EDA. O'Neil or Mollan might reach out to learn about your business or discuss opportunities in the City of Elk River. Even a short phone conversation could have a big impact on the community.

Learn More About the City of Elk River EDA

As you learn about the EDA, you might be surprised by all it does. O'Neil and Mollan can connect residents with housing resources while helping businesses find opportunities to upskill workers. They are involved in city beautification but also site selection for business expansion.

There isn’t a single factor that defines a healthy community. Everything from the local schools to major employers and even the public art on Main Street make the City of Elk River a great place to live and work. With your help, the EDA can keep it that way. We can’t wait to assist you.