June 17, 2025
Jan Youngquist is Economic Development Manager at the City of Richfield. Contact Jan
How long have you been a member of EDAM? 1 year
What do you find valuable about belonging to EDAM? I appreciate the learning opportunities as well as connecting with other economic development professionals.
What is something you're passionate about or a hobby you really enjoy? Flower design—I keep Bachman's and Gertens in business. I love planting flower pots and gardens as well as winter container gardens. I would love to do that for a living, but something tells me it wouldn’t pay the bills.
What's the greatest advice a mentor has given you? When doing a multi-use development, always build the commercial and multifamily before the homeownership options, if possible. That way home buyers know what they’re getting into. Otherwise you may run into homeowners complaining about construction, noise, and “those people” moving into their neighborhood.
What was the best concert you've ever attended? What's a bucket list concert for you? I am a huge music lover and have been to 247 concerts (yes, I keep a list). One of my favorite artists is Chris Cornell. In 2011, I got a call from Chris Cornell Management to tell me they had reserved two 3rd row seats for me to see him at the Fitzgerald Theater. After the loss of too many great musicians who left this world too soon, my motto is “life is short—buy the tickets.”
What are you currently streaming? Happy Face on Hulu. It is based on the true story of Melissa Moore, whose father was the Happy Face Killer. I'm a true crime junkie and am fascinated by the psychology of what drives people to commit violent crimes.