Federal Expertise Strengthens Regional Development Efforts

RNDC recently hosted a session with Darrin Fleener, a Federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) representative, at Minnesota State University, Mankato. This event gathered community development professionals, government officials, and higher education leaders to learn more about the funding opportunities available.

Darrin shared key insights into the EDA’s funding priorities, including its investment in recovery and resilience, workforce development, and environmentally sustainable initiatives. He outlined eligibility requirements for EDA funding and explained exemptions for regions facing unique challenges such as natural disasters and sudden job losses.

The presentation provided an overview of the EDA’s grant programs, including Public Works, Economic Adjustment Assistance, and Local Technical Assistance, highlighting how they can help communities tackle economic challenges and utilize the funding opportunities availabe. Attendees appreciated the chance to ask questions directly to a federal expert, gaining clarity on how to align local projects with federal funding priorities.

By facilitating opportunities to engage with federal representatives, RNDC acts as a bridge between South Central Minnesota’s local organizations and the resources of the EDA. Events like these empower communities to collaborate, innovate, and address pressing regional challenges together.

You can view Darrin Fleener’s presentation slides by clicking the button below.

Expanding Broadband Access: Listening Tour Insights and Next Steps

Access to reliable high-speed internet has become essential for participation in today’s economy. Despite this, many rural areas continue to face significant disparities in broadband coverage, leaving communities at a disadvantage. To address these gaps, RNDC’s American Connection Corps (ACC) Fellow, Giselle Lo has been conducting a listening tour across South Central Minnesota.

The listening tour aims to identify broadband access needs, assess existing projects and resources, and explore potential partnerships that could help bridge the digital divide. So far, at least one key stakeholder from each county has participated, contributing valuable perspectives to the effort. These conversations have culminated in a Listening Tour Report, which will be presented at the 2024 ACC Winter Institute and will be available on the RNDC website.

The report highlights a critical trend: counties with higher broadband coverage tend to treat access as a fundamental necessity, fostering community discussions about its importance and actively promoting broadband’s role in enhancing economic and social well-being.

Looking ahead, Giselle plans to extend the listening tour throughout the service year to gather additional insights and perspectives. Upcoming initiatives include conducting a broadband needs assessment for each county and developing an interactive asset map to outline broadband resources across the region.

Expanding broadband access has far-reaching benefits for rural areas. Research from the Federal Communications Commission indicates that access to broadband can improve economic opportunities, enhance educational outcomes, and support telehealth services. Whereas, regions without broadband access face significant challenges, including limited access to remote work opportunities, reduced educational resources, and diminished community engagement.

Strengthening Rural EMS: A Collaborative Planning Session

Local stakeholders gathered on November 21 at Eagle Lake City Hall to address the challenges facing rural Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in South Central Minnesota. RNDC partnered with the South Central Minnesota EMS Systems, and the University of Minnesota Extension Southwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, to facilitate the focused discussions aimed at designing innovative solutions for rural EMS sustainability.

Participants explored strategies to enhance staffing, recruitment, and retention for basic life support services, along with approaches to improve financial sustainability. Attendees were divided into smaller groups, fostering collaborative dialogue and actionable ideas to address critical needs in their communities.

This session highlighted the importance of partnerships and collective problem-solving to tackle complex issues like rural EMS staffing shortages. Feedback from this session will inform recommendations for new programs and policies, potentially shaping solutions that could serve as models statewide and nationally.

RNDC thanks all participants and partners for their commitment to supporting EMS systems that are vital to rural communities.

Help Shape Safer Roads in Region Nine: Join RNDC as a Road Safety Transportation Planner!

Are you passionate about creating safer communities? RNDC is seeking a Road Safety Transportation Planner to lead the charge in developing a comprehensive road safety action plan for South Central Minnesota. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of residents across nine counties while working in a collaborative and supportive environment.

What’s the Role?



As the Road Safety Transportation Planner, you’ll engage with local governments, stakeholders, and underserved communities to craft a safety action plan aligned with the USDOT’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. From analyzing crash data to facilitating task force meetings, your work will directly contribute to making our region safer for everyone.

Additionally, you’ll support ongoing transportation planning efforts through RNDC’s partnership with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Whether working independently or collaborating with a dynamic team, your efforts will be instrumental in shaping safer streets and equitable transportation solutions.

As part of this hybrid position, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to work both onsite and remotely. RNDC offers competitive salaries along with a robust benefits package that includes:

• Health insurance and employer contributions to a health savings account
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Retirement benefits through Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA)
• Optional dental, vision, and other voluntary coverages

Ready to Apply?

Submit your cover letter, resume, and an online application at https://www.rndc.org/road_safety_transportation_planner/. Please address your materials to Nicole Griensewic, Executive Director, and direct any questions to Nate George at nate@rndc.org.

RNDC’s 2024 Annual Performance Progress Report is Available!

The 2024 Annual Performance Progress Report (APPR) is now available to view or download on the rndc.org website. This comprehensive document showcases the significant strides made over the past year toward advancing the region’s goals outlined in the 2022-2026 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). It offers a detailed evaluation of economic changes, project achievements, and strategies that foster growth and resilience across South Central Minnesota.

Community stakeholders will find the report a valuable resource, providing insights into RNDC’s work in economic and community development. The report highlights the year’s accomplishments and demonstrates how local initiatives align with CEDS goals to enhance workforce development, infrastructure, and economic competitiveness.

Stakeholders are encouraged to utilize the report as a planning and collaboration tool. It contains data such as demographic trends, workforce insights, and project outcomes to help guide decision-making and support funding applications. The report also details how partnerships and innovative strategies have addressed critical regional challenges.

Funding Opportunities to Support Climate Resilience and Energy Efficiency

Two funding opportunities are available to assist communities in advancing climate resilience and energy efficiency projects. These programs provide support for addressing the impacts of climate change and implementing climate-smart energy practices across the region.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is offering Local Climate Action Grants to help local jurisdictions adapt to extreme weather events and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With a total of $3 million in funding available, the grants are divided into two categories: Local Climate Action Planning Grants and Local Climate Action Implementation Grants. Applications are due by Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 4 p.m. CST. Five communities in Region Nine, Mankato, New Ulm, Saint James, Waseca, and Fairmont, would receive priority consideration due to their disadvantaged/Environmental Justice status.

On a federal level, the Department of Energy's (DOE) Energy Improvements in Rural and Remote Areas Program aims to support energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy installations in rural regions. The application deadline is set for August 2025, but the first step involves submitting a concept paper by the end of February. The Southern Regional Development Commission (SRDC) is leading efforts on this application, with collaboration to refine the scope of work. This funding is designed to drive energy efficiency in underserved areas, although ensuring strong community support will be essential as the project progresses.

Communities interested in the MPCA grant are encouraged to act quickly to meet the January deadline. Questions can be submitted to the MPCA at grants.pca@state.mn.us with the subject line “FY25 Local Climate Action Grants” by 4 p.m. CST on January 2, 2025. Additional details, including access to an informational session recording, are available on the MPCA website. You can also click the buttons below to learn more and apply.