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 member 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: https://www.wrightpartnership.org/