FAIRMONT – The Martin County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA) laid out its priority plan and what it has been able to achieve so far in 2025 during Monday’s meeting.

Starting on broadband, Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) Specialist Amber Patten said they are still working on new initiatives after the broadband challenge process ended in 2024. Bevcomm and Ceylon grants have been awarded, and with the Federated Rural Electric Association, a new overall agreement and Fiber Ring contract were signed.

“It is still at a high priority, but I do think in 2025, Celia [Viesselman] and the committee has definitely made some great moves forward,” Patten said.

Regarding childcare, Patten said they awarded $100k to Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center and are working on getting a tour set up. Board Member Tom Lytle said it’s more about the tangible addition of childcare spots at the facility, from 50 to 99, than focusing on the money itself.

The discussion then turned to childcare affordability. Board Member Elizabeth Miller asked if they accept daycare assistance. Patten said she is not sure if they do. Miller replied if they’re getting occupants anyway, not doing daycare assistance is less bother.

“If they can fill the spot without having to go through the paperwork and hassle of doing it, why would you?” she said.

The priority rating for childcare is currently set at high.

On housing, Patten said they have researched funding options for a local housing trust fund, completed the Sherburn Housing Study and have created an infield housing portfolio for each city in Martin County. What did not end up moving forward was the concept for a hotel or motel in Sherburn. Priority for housing is set at medium.

Business retention and expansion had the most bullet points for areas of progress. This includes MCEDA visits to 29 businesses, a business succession workshop, continued work with The Retail Coach, a paid leave workshop with over 130 attendees, communication with businesses on grant opportunities and federal EDA plus workforce summit grant applications.

Desire to continue retention and expansion of Fairmont’s business community lands as a high priority for MCEDA currently.

Community development has seen four grants awarded to cities in Martin County, with three additional applications that weren’t chosen, and presentations at three city council meetings. MCEDA is continuing ongoing communication with Truman, Sherburn, Granada and Northrop, and community development is currently set at a medium priority.

With all of the information out there, Patten said the board can look everything over through November, and December’s meeting will have a discussion on what the 2026 priority plan should have in terms of priorities, priority levels and initiatives.

Board Member Billeye Rabbe thanked Patten and CEDA for their work, saying that a lot has been accomplished for Martin County this year.

In other news:

— The Five Lakes Centre mall has been sold to a new developer. Discussions have already started with potential retailers interested in the mall space. Patten said there is a meeting with The Retail Coach on Thursday, and she is excited to hopefully learn more there.

— A housing development portfolio has been sent out to several housing developers in southern Minnesota.

“There’s a housing development that’s ready to rock and roll,” Patten said. “Utilities, streets in there, everything, housing developer, not for multifamily, for single family.”

— Two communities were assisted with grant opportunities. One was sent in for Minnesota Department of Health Source Water Protection, while the other was for Southern Minnesota initiative Foundation (SMIF) Economic Development.