The Brooklyn Park Economic Development Authority elected new leadership positions and approved a $52,800 workforce development agreement during its January 21 meeting.

Commissioners elected Hollis Winston as president, with Kanowski serving as vice president, Page as treasurer, and Tran as secretary for the coming year. The leadership slate was approved unanimously by voice vote.

The EDA approved a professional services agreement with the Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest to provide career pathway programming for local high school students. The $52,800 contract will serve 24 students annually from Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, and Osseo high schools, focusing on construction trades exploration and financial literacy education.

John Berkow, chief administrative officer for the Finishing Trades Institute, told commissioners the program maintains a 100% completion rate with over 50% of students achieving perfect attendance. The curriculum combines hands-on construction training with life skills education, including financial literacy, budgeting, and tax preparation. Students spend 80% of their time in the institute's 50,000-square-foot facility learning various finishing trades.

Commissioners also approved a subordination agreement allowing Amos1 LP to secure a $250,000 HUD loan for plumbing repairs at Brooks Landing apartments. The 110-unit senior housing complex requires significant plumbing infrastructure work, with the city's existing $218,000 loan remaining in second position behind HUD's primary financing. The property, built in 1978, provides affordable housing through project-based Section 8 subsidies and maintains full occupancy with current loan payments.