The Bemidji City Council held a work session last night and discussed various ways the Bemidji Economic Development Authority, or BEDA, could be more active.
The BEDA was created in 1989, according to city documents, and it can be more flexible than the council in certain areas. Community Development Director Steve Jones led the discussion, and spoke on the different ways an EDA can be used.
The discussion largely focused on creating more affordable housing within the city, and acquiring vacant lots, through the use of the revolving loan fund or revenue bonds taken out by the BEDA, without raising the levy.
Mayor of Bemidji Rita Albrecht expressed the importance of affordable housing for a community.
No action was taken by the council during the discussion last night.
To see Jones’ full report, here is the City Work Session Packet: 2-10-20_BEDA_Packet
