DEPARTMENT: Physical Development Administration
FILE TYPE: Regular Information
TITLE
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Discussion On Global Green Expo 2031
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Discuss potential support for the Global Green Expo 2031 to be held in Dakota County.
SUMMARY
In 1853, with financial support from the Territorial Legislature, William Le Duc brought a buffalo, a birchbark canoe, wild rice, wheat, and samples of other Indigenous foods of the Dakota and Ojibwe people to New York City to showcase Minnesota’s horticultural and agricultural treasures at the second World’s Fair titled “Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations."
The International Association for Horticultural Producers (AIPH) was founded in Europe in 1948. The Bureau International Des Expositions (BIE) and AIPH co-produce international horticultural expositions (Global Green Expos) to foster cooperation and sharing knowledge and solutions between countries, horticultural producers and agricultural industries. There have been 50 Expos in Europe, Asia and the Middle East since 1960. No Expo has been held in the United States.
The current Green Expo is taking place in Doha, Qatar. Pavilions from 80 countries, non-governmental organizations and representatives. Expected attendance is more than three million.
In 2013, the locally based World’s Fair Bid Committee Educational Fund (Fund) was established to encourage the federal government to once again be actively involved in supporting international expositions, to promote private sector partnerships with such expos, and support efforts to bring officially sanctioned expos to the United States, including Minnesota. The Fund coordinated Minnesota’s effort to organize and host the 2027 World’s Fair.
Although Minnesota was a finalist with two other locations, the BIE ultimately chose Serbia as the host site in 2023. However, the State’s bid elevated its reputation with the BIE and gained the favorable attention of the AIPH.
In June 2023, the AIPH, the decision-making body for all official international horticulture expos, invited the Fund to consider hosting the Expo 2031. After discussions with hundreds of groups, firms, and institutions, the Fund submitted a Letter of Interest to the AIPH in September. Attendance estimates for an Expo in Minnesota are estimated to be four to six million people, with 80 percent living within a day’s drive. Approximately 175 acres, including parking, in a contiguous or multiple areas will be required.
During this planning period, two sites in Dakota County have emerged as potential sites.
The Fund is currently finalizing its Green Expo 2031 application (due January 24, 2024), the themes (green economy, sustainable lifestyles, horticultural education, healthy living, climate action and green innovation) and related activities. There are several areas of potential County involvement in the Expo related to transportation, parks and greenways, recycling, and security. The Fund has requested that the County provide a letter of support for the application but does not commit any County funding or resources.
Based on the feedback and interest received, the Fund would make a formal application presentation to the AIPH board in Doha, Qatar in March 2024 with an AIPH committee site visit in April.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Information only; no action requested.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
☒ None ☐ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
body
Information only; no action requested.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
BOARD GOALS
☐ A Great Place to Live ☐ A Healthy Environment
☒ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☐ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Erin Storwa
Author: Al Singer