ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EXPERTISE

Through our planning work, we partner with regional and local leaders to create vibrant, sustainable, and welcoming communities for all.

As the federally designated planning organization for the region through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), we create a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for the Region IV Economic Development District of Minnesota every five years. The current plan (2022-2026) primarily focuses on growing the regional population and workforce, increasing wages, improving child care capacity and availability, increasing housing affordability and availability, increasing access to broadband, and examining the sustainability of infrastructure

• Comprehensive development planning, climate resiliency planning, pandemic response and recovery planning

• Resource and grant navigation and writing for community and economic development projects

• Small business development support

• Sustainable food and agricultural development and planning

• Housing plan development

• Community engagement design and facilitation