Jason Aarsvold
Working in partnership with local officials, we have the privilege to be part of positive and meaningful long-term change within communities.

Jason Aarsvold

Senior Municipal Advisor
Jason Aarsvold

Jason serves as a Senior Municipal Advisor for Ehlers’ Minnesota Team. He brings nearly two decades of municipal development and finance experience to his role with the firm. Jason has analyzed and negotiated some of the most complicated economic development and redevelopment projects in Minnesota, navigating complex financial issues and creating new, innovative community solutions. One of Jason’s greatest attributes is his ability to demystify the complexities of the economic development process for his clients. He unites community leaders, developers and residents, guiding them through program development with his strong market knowledge and public finance expertise.

When Jason isn’t working, he enjoys spending time at his family’s Minnesota lake home, fishing and golfing. He lives in Champlin with his wife and two sons.


Areas of Expertise

Debt Issuance & Management

  • Analysis & Presentation of Alternative Financing Options
  • TIF Revenue Bonds
  • Housing Revenue Bonds
  • Non-profit & Industrial Revenue Bonds
  • Client Representation to Bond Market & Rating Agencies
  • Referendum Strategy
  • Special Legislation Strategy

Economic Development & Redevelopment

  • Tax Increment & Tax Abatement
  • Downtown Redevelopment & Revitalization
  • Developer Selection & Negotiation
  • Developer Pro Forma Analysis / But-For Test
  • Project Management Services
  • Land Acquisition & Relocation
  • Grant Writing
  • Public Participation Process

Financial Management Planning

  • Capital Improvement Planning
  • Fiscal Management
  • Economic Development Strategy

Licenses & Certifications

Certified Independent Professional Municipal Advisor
Registered Municipal Advisor
Series 50 License: Municipal Advisor Representative
Economic Development Finance Professional
Housing Development Finance Professional

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

Economic Development Association of Minnesota
Urban Land Institute

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Local and Urban Affairs, St. Cloud State University
Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Studies, Minnesota State University-Mankato

Notable Projects

Target Office Campus (Brooklyn Park) – negotiated agreement for 330+ acre build-out

New Hope City Center – Advised in developer selection and negotiation, analyzed project financing, created TIF district and provided project management services

Duluth Housing Action Plan – Prepared action plan for needed housing, identified financing options, analyzed financial feasibility of proposed projects and creation of TIF Districts