Economic Development Authority
The Wright County Economic Development Authority is requesting offers for the purchase and redevelopment of the old Wright County Government Center site located in downtown Buffalo, Minnesota. Offers will be accepted continuously. The property will be sold “as-is"
What is the Wright County Economic Development Authority?
The Wright County Economic Development Authority (EDA) is a local authority, a subdivision of Wright County with the primary objective of shepherding economic growth within Wright County.
The EDA operates under the authority of Minnesota Statute, Sections 469.090 through 469.1082.
How was the EDA established?
The formation of the EDA was recommended by an Advisory Committee which included city and township representatives. The committee met in August and October 2020 and provided a report in November 2020.
In November 2020, the Wright County Board passed a resolution establishing the Wright County EDA.
What will the EDA do?
Facilitate and guide redevelopment of county owned properties.
County EDAs have much more legal authority to pursue the repurposing of public assets than counties do themselves. The EDA will facilitate and guide the redevelopment of the current Government Center and Health & Human Services Building located in Buffalo. These two properties are anticipated to be vacated by Wright County staff at the end of 2021.
Partner with local communities.
The EDA will partner with local cities and townships as well as the Wright County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP) and support their efforts to achieve specific projects and advance broader initiatives.
Access state and federal resources.
The EDA will seek to access state and federal resources that are available mainly to larger public development agencies.
Is there a difference between the Wright County EDA and the Wright County Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP)?
The Wright County EDA and the WCEDP are separate organizations, with similar missions of shepherding economic growth within Wright County. The EDA is a subdivision of Wright County, while the WCEDP is a non-profit partner organization dedicated to supporting and creating a sustainable economic profile in Wright County.
WCEDP partners with Wright County Chambers, Cities and Townships, educational and financial institutions, along with its many members, to fulfill its mission of creating a healthy and diverse environment for existing, expanding and new businesses. WCEDP takes an active role in:
- Business retention and expansion
- Workforce development
- Advocating for businesses at a local, state and federal level
- Creating a healthy environment for startups
- Facilitating capacity building seminars around economic development
- Promoting and marketing all businesses in Wright County
- Marketing Wright County
More information on WCEDP is available on their website.
Meeting Schedule
The EDA is scheduled to meet the third Monday of each month at 8:30 a.m. Meetings are held in the Wright County Board Room and via Microsoft Teams.
Tax Abatement
The Wright County Economic Development Authority (EDA) is committed to encouraging economic growth as a cornerstone of a strong community and will partner with local jurisdictions to help them achieve economic success. The EDA will also promote flourishing industries, entrepreneurial success, high local employment levels, and income opportunities. With a targeted and quantified approach that follows state laws, the EDA aims to use tax abatement as a tool to shepherd economic growth.
EDA Board Members & Staff
Name |
Email Address |
Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Darek Vetsch, President | Darek.Vetsch@co.wright.mn.us | (763)682-7687 |
| Nadine Schoen, Vice President | Nadine.Schoen@co.wright.mn.us | (763)682-7696 |
| Jeanne Holland, Board Member | Jeanne.Holland@co.wright.mn.us | (763)682-7686 |
| Tina Diedrick, Board Member | Tina.M.Diedrick@co.wright.mn.us | 763)682-7697 |
| Michael Kaczmarek, Board Member | Mike.Kaczmarek@co.wright.mn.us | (763)682-7685 |
| Phil Kern, Board Member | pkern@delano.mn.us | (763)972-0565 |
| Josh Gehlen, Board Member | josh.gehlen@gmail.com | (320)583-9147 |
| Lee Kelly, County Administrator | Lee.Kelly@co.wright.mn.us | (763)682-7378 |
| Clay Wilfahrt, Executive Director | Clay.Wilfahrt@co.wright.mn.us | (763)684-8628 |
| Elizabeth Karels, Project Administrator | Elizabeth.Karels@co.wright.mn.us | (763)684-8604 |