Jessica is an Economic Development Advisor with Ehlers’ Minnesota Municipal Finance team and also leads our Financial Specialist team for all regions. She works with communities on financial planning and development financing, with specialized expertise in utility rate studies. Under Jessica’s collaborative leadership, Ehlers’ specialists have completed over 50 utility rate studies and 70 long-term financial plans in the last five years alone. In addition, she advised on projects including the Southdale Mall redevelopment and the Target store in Inver Grove Heights, MN. One of Jessica’s strengths is her ability to communicate the policy implications of financing and rate setting options, leading communities to make sound financial decisions. Jessica currently serves as the Chair of Ehlers Companies Board of Directors.
Areas of Expertise
Financial Management Planning
- Strategic Long-Term Financial Planning
- Utility Rate Studies
- Capital Improvement Planning
- Development Fee Analyses
Economic Development & Redevelopment
- Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
- TIF District Creation & Amendment
- TIF Revenue Projection
- Developer Selection & Negotiations
- Developer Pro-Forma Analysis / But-For-Test
Licenses & Certifications
Series 50 License: Municipal Advisor Representative
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
Minnesota Government Financial Officers Association
Education
Bachelor of Science – Sociology, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Master of Business Administration – Coursework, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul
Community Involvement
OneVillage Partners – Volunteer
Notable Projects
Stormwater Analysis, City of St. Paul – developed financial plan for funding stacked green infrastructure for Allianz Field and Westside Flats redevelopment areas
Utility Rate Study, City of Chanhassen – complete annual rate study to establish user charges and development fees to finance new water treatment plant
Target, Inver Grove Heights – negotiated public assistance amount and structure for new Target store and outlot development