City Council Considers More Aggressive EDC

The City of Burnsville’s Economic Development Commission (EDC) might finally be given a chance to flex its muscles.

One of the biggest issues on the agenda for Tuesday night’s city council meeting is whether to officially grant the EDC the power to proactively research and recommend policy changes that would make Burnsville a more attractive business environment for potential investors.

At present, the EDC is a reactive body that takes direction from the city council on business matters in Burnsville. A decision to expand its mandate would give the EDC direct authority to court desirable businesses, make policy recommendations and ultimately affect change within the city’s business community.  

Some city council members feel expanding EDC powers is an obvious next step. 

“A proactive approach that expands the EDC’s role is something I want to take advantage of,” city council member Dan Gustafson said at last week’s work session. “The individuals that serve on the Commission are a group of very successful people that have agreed to work for the City. That’s an opportunity I don’t want to miss.”

“Proactive business is a better use of the talent we have on the EDC,” Burnsville city manager Craig Ebeling agreed.

Councilmember Dan Kealey was encouraged by the idea of a more powerful EDC.

“I had hoped this advisory board would push the limits to some extent. I want them to tell the council, ‘Forget what you’re doing now. This is what we should be doing for the City of Burnsville’. I am here to say that I take the EDC very seriously...I would encourage more assertiveness and entrepreneurial thinking from this particular commission.”

Kealey’s sentiments were welcomed by EDC chair Bob Stowell. “Part of the needs of the city are being met by having more competitive businesses here. I am glad to hear that the council would like us to be more assertive. I can say we definitely will be that in the future.”

But not all council members are on board with a more autonomous EDC.

“The problem with expanding your role to a more aggressive one is that, right now, that is not in your mission. When it was created the mission of the EDC was to be reactive,” councilwoman Mary Sherry protested.  

Councilman Gustafson, acting mayor at last Tuesday’s work session, agreed to officially bring the issue of expanding the EDC before the city council on April 19.

Tuesday’s city council meeting is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at Burnsville City Hall.