Jordan EDA Meets for a Downtown Walking Survey
By Jan Gilmer
The Jordan Economic Development Authority (EDA) met on July 7, 2025. The agenda included a walking survey of the downtown commercial district, a request for a façade grant, a review of the EDA Grant Program, general management updates, and updates from councilmembers and commissioners.
Downtown Walking Survey
The last downtown commercial district walking survey was conducted in July 2024. The survey focused on the Neighborhood Business District (zoned C-1) and the Central Business District (zoned C-2). Its purpose is to assess the exterior of business buildings and identify potential improvements that may be eligible for EDA grant funding. Based on the findings, the EDA and staff can follow up with business owners to provide information about available grant programs.
Equipped with the list and notes from the July 2024 survey—updated with recent changes—the EDA commissioners set out to review downtown businesses. City Administrator Tom Nikunen led the group through the area, offering commentary on completed repairs, proposed projects, rejected plans, and general observations.
Façade Grant Application
The commissioners reviewed a façade grant application for the property at 108 1st Street West. They expressed interest in seeing a business plan for the intended use. Staff shared that the owner plans to use the lower level of the building as a reception area for funeral services. The upper level may be converted into apartments for funeral home interns. However, there are currently no plans to move forward with interior renovations.
After much discussion regarding the timing of the grant relative to when the property will become an active business, commissioners agreed that improving the façade would enhance downtown aesthetics regardless of whether the building is in use.
Commissioner Nelson stated that although the application meets the requirements of the grant program, he would like to see a business plan, the anticipated completion timeframe for the façade, and the owner’s vision for the property.
Councilmember Schuh motioned to approve the façade grant application with the conditions stated by Commissioner Nelson.
The façade grant was approved and recommended for City Council approval.
EDA Grant Program Review
City Council requested that staff review the EDA Grant Program with the EDA for potential revisions. The current program was not intended to allow business owners to “stack” multiple grant applications for different phases of a single development.
Staff proposed limiting the total eligible grant amount to $10,000 per property. This would still allow businesses to apply for multiple smaller projects—such as a sign and a façade. Staff also suggested adding language to limit the frequency of grant applications for the same property.
After discussion, the commissioners approved the suggested changes, revising the required wait time between grant applications to two years from the date of the last project’s completion. The revised program will be forwarded to City Council for review.
Management Report
Staff reported receipt of an application for a cold storage facility in the Industrial District (I-2). The project has drawn significant opposition from residents in the Timberline and Sioux Vista neighborhoods, who raised concerns about building height, truck traffic, site access, pollution, and other issues. A public hearing was held on July 8, 2025, during the Planning Commission meeting.
The facility is expected to create 50 new jobs and would be the largest project the City has undertaken. Some commissioners questioned whether 50 jobs justified the use of the land. Administrator Nikunen noted that Jordan may not currently have the capacity to support a 200-job business.
Once a pre-development agreement is in place, the City can proceed with establishing right-of-way access.
Additional updates included:
Delia’s is expected to open in its new location by the end of July or early August.
The Distillery must complete its building permit process and receive an occupancy certificate from the building inspector before applying for state and federal licenses.
There has been no interest in residential lots within the Pauly Park HOA. Interest has been shown in the remaining lot along Maple Lane, but a low-hanging Comcast cable must be moved first.
The application for the vacant EDA seat is posted on the City’s website. A potential candidate participated in the Downtown Walking Survey.
Commissioner Updates
Councilmember Schuh stated that the resident survey has been completed, and responses are being tabulated. The Commercial Club will host Brewer’s Appreciation Night on July 18.
Councilmember Pho emphasized the need to better market Jordan as a desirable place to start or grow a business. He stated that the City should promote its advantages more clearly to potential businesses.
The next EDA meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 4, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.