Economic Development

Pro-Business Community

The City of Apple Valley is an energetic community located about 20 minutes south of downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul and 15 minutes south of the Minneapolis / St. Paul airport and the Mall of America. Cedar Avenue runs through the heart of Apple Valley, linking with Interstates 35E and 494.

A pro-business community of 55,000 residents, the City of Apple Valley has an established vibrant economy and a well-educated workforce. Centrally located at the crossroads of major highways County Road 42 and Cedar Avenue in the South Metro, the City of Apple Valley provides a firm foundation for businesses to plant, grow, and prosper. 


Commercial Activity
Most of the city’s commercial activity is located in the downtown near the intersection of County Road 42 and Cedar Avenue. Business activity is guided by the Economic Development Authority (EDA), promoting the economic, commercial, housing, and industrial development and redevelopment of the city.

If you are considering expanding, relocating, or starting a business in Apple Valley, please contact Economic Development Specialist, Alex Sharpe at 952-953-2569.

EDA Assistance and Financing Policies

Business Assistance (May 7, 2012)

Use of Tax Increment Financing (May 7, 2012)

We want to hear about your business idea! Resources to assist in funding these jobs and business development initiatives are available intermittently. An initial contact to the Community Development Department will determine when an application should be submitted or to ask any questions.


Dakota County CDA Notice

At the following link is a notice to announce the beginning of a minimum 30-day public comment and review period of Dakota County Community Development Agency's (CDA) draft of the Dakota County Consortium's Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Annual Action Plan. CDA Draft of Dakota County Consortium's FY 2022 Annual Action Plan