Jordan EDA Reviews Software Subscritpion, Discusses Business and Development Updates
By Jan Gilmer
The Jordan Economic Development Authority (EDA) met on April 7 to review the city’s use of the Placer.ai data analytics platform and to receive updates on local development projects.
EDA Votes Against Renewing Placer.ai Contract
The main item of discussion centered on the Placer.ai software, which provides mobile phone-based data to help businesses understand customer traffic patterns. While some local businesses, including Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store, found the data helpful—particularly for justifying marketing efforts—overall engagement and feedback from businesses were limited.
Although the software provided insights into event attendance and visitor trends for local happenings like Heimatfest and the JordanDazzle Parade, EDA members questioned whether the benefits justified the ongoing cost. Staff indicated no lower-cost options were available and noted limited business participation in requesting or using reports.
EDA Chair Shane Ahlbrecht suggested the City consider allowing the contract to lapse and possibly revisit it periodically to obtain updated data. The EDA ultimately voted to recommend that the City Council not renew the contract.
Development and Management Updates
Beaumont Bluffs 5th Addition: A proposal is moving forward to eliminate a planned swimming pool and instead develop 65 new single-family lots.
Bridle Creek: Ames Construction must submit a revised PUD or request an extension by October 2025.
Pauly Park Lots: Four city-owned lots remain available, with interest in two of the Arabian Drive parcels.
South House Demolition: The property, now owned by Strains of the Earth, is set for demolition, making way for a new parking lot expected to be completed by June.
Strains of the Earth: The business will convert its upper-level lounge space back into an Airbnb.
Cannabinoid Sales: Legal sales are expected to begin in Jordan by late summer or early fall 2025.
Downtown Improvements: A bid is being submitted for façade upgrades to the former Xcel building. Demolition and renovation will be required before the property is listed for sale.
131 1st Street: The property owner has expressed interest in selling the building to the City.
Broadway Plaza: Bids for redevelopment have come in below original estimates.
Highway 169/282/9 Construction: Major infrastructure work is underway. Key access points, including Corporate Drive, are expected to be completed before the Scott County Fair.
Sand Creek Social: Owners are exploring use of their lower level as an event space but must address restroom capacity.
Sand Creek Flats: Sand Creek Flats is available for sale. The apartments are full, but the owner did not pursue commercial businesses for the ground floor level as initially planned.
Vacant Lots Near Birdies: There are two lots available near Birdies. Initially slated for a small medical building, interest in development has waned.
The next EDA meeting is Monday, May 5th at 6:30 p.m.