The bill H.F. No. 2349 seeks to create the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority (EDA) in Minnesota. The authority would have various economic development powers and responsibilities, combining elements from multiple existing statutes related to local economic development, housing, and redevelopment.

Key Provisions:

1. Creation of the Ramsey County Economic Development Authority:

   • The authority is established as a public body corporate and politic in Ramsey County.
   • It will have powers under Minnesota Statutes sections 469.090 to 469.108, with exceptions (469.101 subdivision 19, 469.102, and 469.107).
   • In exercising these powers, Ramsey County is treated like a city, with the county board acting as the governing body, and the chair of the county board assuming the role of a mayor.

2. Integration with the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA):

   • The Ramsey County EDA will also have housing and redevelopment powers under Minnesota Statutes sections 469.001 to 469.047.
   • The existing Ramsey County HRA will maintain governance continuity, as the county board members will also serve as the EDA commissioners.

3. Governance and Commissioners:

   • The EDA will have seven commissioners, who will be appointed by the county board.
   • The county board will also fill vacancies.
   • The county board may appoint sitting commissioners of the Ramsey County Housing and Redevelopment Authority as the commissioners of the new Economic Development Authority.

In summary, H.F. No. 2349 establishes a new Economic Development Authority in Ramsey County, consolidating existing redevelopment and economic development efforts under a single entity with broad powers.