StoryPublic hearing on establishing an Economic Development Authority, indicating a significant step in the city's economic strategy development.June 2, 2026

Golden Valley City Council Establishes New Economic Development Authority

The move marks a pivotal shift in the city's economic strategy, empowering broader development initiatives and enhanced job creation efforts.

Published Jun 4, 2026

The Golden Valley City Council took a significant step toward reshaping its economic future during a recent meeting, formally approving the establishment of an Economic Development Authority (EDA). Following a public hearing, the Council unanimously passed Ordinance Number 819 for the EDA's creation and adopted Resolution Number 2626043, enabling the new entity to proceed.

Ms. Costello, the Housing and Economic Development Manager, highlighted the expanded capabilities the EDA would bring. She emphasized that while HRAs traditionally focus on combating blight and improving housing, an EDA offers a broader scope for economic initiatives, including commercial, industrial, and mixed-use developments.

One of the things for me that we can’t do under an HRA is some of the marketing of the city for job creation. We’re very limited under HRA. We can’t do that with an EDA. We have the ability to go out and market the community at events, to host events where we can do that marketing to bring people in, to bring those jobs in.
— Ms. Costello, Housing and Economic Development Manager

Councilmember Fuzzy underscored the importance of this transition, noting its potential to enhance the city's financial health and provide more avenues for development, particularly in areas like mixed-use projects that were previously in a 'gray zone' under an HRA.

I think this is a needed step for Golden Valley. I’ve been pushing us to this point in time, but really, this is another step of adding tools to our toolbox.
— Councilmember Fuzzy

Other Topics from This Document

Pledge of Allegiance and Land Acknowledgement
Proclamation for Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant
Read
Public Comment
Agenda Additions and Corrections
Consent Agenda Approval
Public Hearing: Establishing Economic Development Authority (EDA)
Ordinance 819: First Reading - EDA Establishment
Read
Resolution 2626043: Enabling Resolution for EDA
Read
EDA Organizational Meeting Scheduling
Items for Consideration

Want to know when new stories arrive?

Enter your email to receive updates.

We will not use your email for any other purpose. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Areas of Interest (7)

Transition from Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) to Economic Development Authority (EDA) aims to broaden city's development tools and economic strategies.

Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant receives proclamation, highlighting its role in empowering young Black leaders and celebrating heritage.

Concerns raised about community input in the EDA transition, with suggestions for new committee structures and expanding existing commissions' charters.

Discussion on the EDA's expanded powers beyond HRA's scope, including city marketing for job creation and mixed-use development support.

Hagan family's donation recognized, underscoring community support for Golden Valley's programs and initiatives.

Public hearing on establishing an Economic Development Authority, indicating a significant step in the city's economic strategy development.

Rescheduling of a public hearing for Economic Development District Number One to July 7th, requiring new public notices.

Votes (4)

Approve the agenda as submitted

ApprovedVoice vote: All in favor say aye.

Approve the consent agenda as submitted

ApprovedVoice vote: All in favor say aye.

Approve the first reading of ordinance number 819 (Establishing Economic Development Authority) and adopt resolution number 2626043 (Enabling Resolution for EDA)

ApprovedRoll call vote: 4 ayes, 0 nays

Schedule the Economic Development Authority organizational meeting for June 16th, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. or immediately following the City Council and HRA meetings, whichever is later, and direct staff to take all actions necessary to organize and hold the meeting.

ApprovedVoice vote: All in favor say aye.

Notable Quotes (12)

We acknowledge and honor the Dakota nation, on whose ancestral land the city of Golden Valley is built, and whose land resources we use. We commit to counteracting the erasure of the cultural practices and presence of the Dakota people through education, and by amplifying a wide range of indigenous voices.
— Mayor Harmon

Land AcknowledgementDelivering the land acknowledgement at the start of the meeting.

This is the third annual Miss Juneteenth. Uh, Minnesota State pageant and celebration, which will be taking place this Saturday, June 6th. And miss Angel Jones, who is the founder, CEO and director of the pageant, will come up and talk about the event in this year’s theme of rediscovering our Culture and Redefining our Freedom.
— Angel Jones

Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State PageantIntroducing the purpose of the proclamation and the pageant.

I joined miss the Juneteenth parties. Because I wanted to not only encourage women that look like me, but also be, um, a role model in this community. I am not originally from Minnesota, but when I moved here, I didn’t see a lot of African-American women that, uh, could step, step up, or show me how to walk or navigate this city.
— Jalen Newton

Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant

People (12)

Mayor HarmonMayor

Called the meeting to order and presided over proceedings.

Angel JonesFounder, CEO and Director

Presented on the Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant.

3 quotes

“I’m the founder and CEO and the director for the Miss Juneteenth Minnesota state pageant. Uh, the Miss Juneteenth Minnesota state pageant is a 501 C3 non-profit community organization dedicated to empowering and inspiring. Inspiring the next generation of black leaders through education, mentorship, leadership development, and community engagement.”

Describing her role and the organization's mission.

“Our organization continues to grow as we expanded our programs divisions to First Lady, Miss Juneteenth Minnesota, which is the ages of 40 and up, and our Mr. Juneteenth, Minnesota, with ages from 10 to 24, creating additional pathways for leadership, mentorship and community involvement across generations.”

Detailing the expansion of the pageant's program divisions.

“This past year, Miss Juneteenth Minnesota was impacted by the unrest and Ice related situations. Affected families in our community. Two of our contestants experienced the detention of their fathers and one of our contestants father was actually ultimately detained and deported. I’m sorry. Deported. Despite these challenges, our contestants remain resilient, focused and committed to all of their goals. These experiences remind us why our work is so important.”

Events & Meetings (6)

Council meeting: June 2nd, 2026

Public comment period: beginning at 6:20 p.m.

Third annual Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State pageant and celebration: June 6th

Public hearing on Economic Development Authority establishment: This meeting

Public hearing on economic development district number one: Rescheduled to July 7th

EDA organizational meeting: Scheduled for June 16th, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.

THE BROOKLYN CENTER RECORDER

Golden Valley City Council Establishes New Economic Development Authority

Other Topics from This Document

Pledge of Allegiance and Land Acknowledgement

Proclamation for Miss Juneteenth Minnesota State Pageant

Public Comment

Agenda Additions and Corrections

Consent Agenda Approval

Public Hearing: Establishing Economic Development Authority (EDA)

Ordinance 819: First Reading - EDA Establishment

Resolution 2626043: Enabling Resolution for EDA

EDA Organizational Meeting Scheduling

Items for Consideration

Want to know when new stories arrive?

Calls for Community and Business Input

Go deeper on this topic

Areas of Interest (7)

Votes (4)

Notable Quotes (12)

People (12)

Places Mentioned

Events & Meetings (6)

Ordinances & Resolutions (2)

Was this story helpful?