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Current Job Openings for County Economic Developers in Minnesota
Title: HRA-EDA Executive Director
Position Status: Appointed; Exempt
Job Location: HRA-EDA Offices, North Branch, MN
Position Objective
Performs complex work intended to develop the economy (e.g., increased revenue, new business starts, job creation and housing affordability) of the County; providing technical assistance to businesses; directing, administering, reviewing and evaluating department programs and operations, supervising and coordinating staff to remain accountable to housng and economic development goals, developing and implementing department budget, completing required reports, and compliance related work. Work involves setting policies and goals under the direction of the HRA-EDA Board.
Supervision is exercised over all HRA-EDA personnel and contractors.
Essential Functions
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Markets the County for business development opportunities highlighting the advantages of doing business in Chisago County. Plans, coordinates, and facilitate development opportunities between cities, businesses, and county as requested.
Serves as a resource and provides technical assistance to local units of government, community organizations, and new and existing businesses. Assistance may include, but is not limited to, locating financial assistance, finding site location options, financial planning, grants, and referrals of other specialized technical and financial lenders.
Create relationships to monitor and ensure businesses are thriving and remain in Chisago County.
Maintains a high level of local community involvement and provides coordination between all organizations including cities, townships, and chambers of commerce, economic development groups and local lenders in the areas of economic development and housing with the basic understanding that increasing the county’s economy will only occur through cooperation.
Coordinates and administers Small Business Development Center (SBDC) assistance to small businesses and start-ups assisting with access to capital and loan packaging; financial analysis and assessment; cash flow management; general marketing and research; marketing plan development and business plan development.
Develops and maintains a close working relationship with the County Board, Cities, and Townships, keeping them informed periodically of the activities of the HRA-EDA.
Seeks opportunities that will enhance the economic vitality of Chisago County including researching, planning, and developing applicable economic development and housing programs which would benefit the county.
Completes grant applications and administers successful grants relating to community and economic development.
Develops and implements Tax Increment Financing, Tax Abatement and other tax incentive programs which may currently exist or be developed in the future.
Prepares annual HRA-EDA budget and works with the HRA-EDA Board and County for levy approval.
Oversees all necessary financial administration. Administers all fund expenditures based on HRA-EDA Board direction. Keeps complete and accurate records of all financial transactions and accounts. Works closely with HRA-EDA Office Administrator & Program Manager to ensure financial accountability.
Supervises all agency staff, contractors, and consultants. Recommends hiring or other personnel changes in accordance with all HRA-EDA personnel policies.
Prepares a one-year work program and periodic HRA-EDA annual reports.
Oversees all HRA-EDA owned housing properties.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to listen well. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with local units of government and community groups.
Knowledge of management principles and supervisory methods and techniques.
Ability to plan, coordinate and delegate work, and to supervise and evaluate the work of others.
Experience in local government finance, including budgeting and financial management.
Knowledge of data gathering, analysis and evaluation methods, and techniques.
Extensive experience in a broad variety of local, state, and federal, economic development and housing programs. Specifically: Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, Department of Employment and Economic Development, and federal programs.
Successful grant writing experience.
Knowledge of Tax Increment Financing and Tax Abatement methods.
Knowledge of real estate development, especially rental housing, including tax credit developments.
Knowledge of business revolving loan development, management, including credit analysis, and commercial lending requirements.
Working knowledge of personal computer operations.
Must possess a valid Minnesota Class D driver’s license.
Desired Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Government Affairs, Public Administration or related field and considerable experience in Economic Development, or a combination of equivalent education and experience. A Master's degree and Housing Development experience preferred.
Special Qualifications
National Development Council Certification (Economic Development Finance Professional) is desired.
For more information, see the job listing posted here.
Request for Proposals: Economic Development Professional Services
City of Lanesboro, Minnesota
Position Description
The City of Lanesboro, Minnesota, is seeking proposals from qualified individuals or firms to provide professional economic development services. The selected consultant will serve as the City's primary economic development resource and work collaboratively with the Economic Development Authority (EDA), City Council, city staff, local businesses, community organizations, housing stakeholders, and regional partners.
The City anticipates approximately six (6) hours of service per week, with the potential for additional hours depending upon project workload, grant opportunities, special initiatives, and competitive pricing proposed by the consultant.
Submittals
The City of Lanesboro invites qualified individuals and firms to submit proposals for Economic Development Professional Services. Proposals must be received no later than Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Late submissions will not be considered. Proposals may be submitted electronically or by mail.
Objectives
The City seeks a proactive and results-oriented partner to:
• Promote sustainable growth and community vitality.
• Support retention and expansion of existing businesses.
• Recruit and attract new business investment.
• Advance housing development opportunities.
• Identify and secure funding opportunities.
• Provide professional support to the Economic Development Authority.
• Coordinate strategic initiatives that align with City goals and priorities.
Scope of Services
The selected consultant shall provide services that may include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Economic Development Planning and Strategy
2. Business Development and Retention
3. Housing and Community Development
4. Grant Writing and Funding
5. Economic Development Financing Programs
6. EDA Administration and Support
7. Community Outreach
8. Reporting and Regulatory Compliance
Deliverables
At a minimum, the selected consultant shall provide:
• Monthly activity reports summarizing completed work and ongoing initiatives.
• Quarterly economic development progress updates.
• Professional support for EDA meetings.
• Annual work plan and year-end accomplishments report.
• Required state and federal program reporting.
Desired Qualifications
The City seeks proposals from individuals or firms with demonstrated experience in:
• Municipal economic development.
• Business retention and expansion programs.
• Housing and community development.
• Grant writing and grant administration.
• Tax Increment Financing (TIF)/Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) administration.
• Economic development finance and incentive programs.
• Public sector collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
• Minnesota economic development programs and resources.
For more information, please see the original posting here.
Updates and job postings are subject to change without notice. For further details, please visit the link(s) on this page.
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