 The city government is actively involved in the economic development process , helping existing firms grow and attracting new ones . A portion of sales tax revenues is set aside for this , some of it going into the Grand Forks Growth Fund . Companies can request low @-@ interest loans or grants from this fund provided they meet certain criteria , such as paying a relatively high wage and doing most of their business outside the city 's trade region . The city also contributes to the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation ( EDC ) , a public @-@ private organization that also receives funding from banks and other major businesses . The EDC plays a consulting role for businesses , such as identifying suitable sites for expansion or assembling public funding packages . Its other key role is to vet businesses to see if they are suitable for funding by the Growth Fund . 
