RNDC Completes the Faribault County Strategic Economic Development Plan

RNDC, in partnership with Faribault County EDA, the cities of Blue Earth, Winnebago, and Wells EDAs, Community Economic Development Associates (CEDA), and local stakeholders, developed the Faribault County Strategic Development Plan (FCSDP).

This plan aims to assist the county in identifying economic opportunities and challenges. The plan will also help position the county to seek external funding and support to address the needs of the communities.

The FCSDP consists of four pillars: economic assessment and market analysis, community and stakeholder outreach, competitive positioning, and work implementation plan. The plan is one step to pave the way for higher-paying jobs, more local entrepreneurship, and new opportunities to promote a higher quality of life for residents in the region.

The backbone of the FCSCP was the participation of the residents of Faribault County. This was done through physical and digital surveys, community engagement, and the contributions of local EDAs. The survey aimed at learning about what people residing in the county thought of the quality of life in their communities; the decisive factors that prompted them to move or stay there; their level of satisfaction with amenities in their communities, and other demographic data.

Online and paper surveys were shared through local community centers, libraries, and senior centers. Flyers with information to take the survey were distributed around the county and posted in locations with high visibility. With the collaboration of the Blue Earth Area High School, the flyers were distributed to over 450 students, who took the surveys home to promote them in their households.

The final report and recommendations were submitted to Faribault County officials in March. RNDC staff presented the results from the survey and the report to County Board Members in May.

St. James is One of Nine Minnesota Communities

to Earn Nation’s First “EV-Ready” Designation

The City of St. James has earned an “Electric Vehicle (EV)-Ready” designation as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Charging Smart Program. This is the first time the DOE has made this designation, and nine Minnesota communities were awarded the distinction in recognition of their work to accelerate the equitable expansion of EVs and EV charging infrastructure.

St. James opened its first dual Level 2 charging station during the city's Climate Smart Week in April. The charging station is located downtown to encourage people to visit local businesses while they charge their vehicle.

Brianna Sanders, St. James Economic Development Director, added, "St. James participated in the Charging Smart program to become familiar with how to regulate and permit electric vehicle infrastructure as well as to provide educational resources to our residents."

The Charging Smart program helps local governments become leaders in EV deployment by offering free technical assistance to help set and achieve policies that align with recognized best practices to advance EV adoption. Charging Smart aims to reduce EV charger costs and increase the number of EVs in the community while emphasizing the importance of equity, leading to EV access for all residents.

Minnesota is one of five states participating in the pilot phase of the program which launched earlier this year. Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) said, “This group of communities demonstrates both the significant impact that local governments can have on EV adoption, and underscores the potential of this program as we prepare to expand it nationally.”

Watonwan County Commissioner Jim Branstad said, "The EV Ready designation shows that St. James is willing to adopt and move forward in the area of climate smart strategies."

Nicole Griensewic and Sam Sharp Discuss Region Nine's BDO Zone 'A' Rating with DigestTV

Executive Director Nicole Griensewic and Energy and Sustainability Planner Sam Sharp were recently interviewed by Jim Lane of DigestTV about Region Nine's BDO Zone 'A' Rating. The region was awarded the nation's first 'A' Rating for corn stover.

Watch the full interview below and visit the BDO Zone website for more information about Region Nine's 'A' Rating.

There's Still Time to Apply to be a Minnesota GreenCorps Member!

The date to apply to be a Minnesota GreenCorps member is June 13th!

RNDC has been named a host site for the 2024-25 Minnesota GreenCorps program and wants to work with you!

The Minnesota GreenCorps program, coordinated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), aims to preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment while training a new generation of environmental professionals.

Each year, the program places AmeriCorps members with host site organizations around the state to help communities increase resilience to climate change by:

• reducing solid waste and increasing recycling
• reducing greenhouse gases and other air pollutants
• reducing water runoff and improving water quality
• encouraging eco-friendly behavior
• reducing disproportionate negative impacts from pollution

Minnesota GreenCorps members serve full-time at their host site for 11 months, from mid-September through mid-August. Members implement environmental projects to build climate resilience in one of four topic areas: community readiness and outreach, energy conservation and green transportation, stormwater and forestry, waste reduction and recycling. Sample projects include activities such as coordinating multi-modal transportation events, developing climate action plans, educating community members and youth, removing invasive species, installing rain gardens, benchmarking energy, conducting waste sorts, and more.

All those interested need to apply through the State of Minnesota Careers website. To learn more about the program and apply online, visit www.pca.state.mn.us/mngreencorps. The application guidance and project summaries documents are available on the MPCA website, along with a link to the member application. Please direct applicant questions to mngreencorps.pca@state.mn.us.

RNDC Named 2024 American Connection Corps Host Site

RNDC is proud to be a 2024 American Connection Corps (ACC) Host site and are looking for applicants to help bridge the digital divide!

The American Connection Corps is Lead For America’s boots-on-the-ground service corps, aimed at activating local leaders in rural and emerging communities to tackle critical challenges to advance economic development across the country.

Members are placed with a local public institution to build critical capacity, attract resources, and activate community engagement across the following key areas:

• Economic Opportunity 
• Health and Social Capital 
• Agriculture and Natural Resources 

Bridging the digital divide is an issue that unites all ACC Members as they serve across these fields. Through yearlong training and support, members are equipped with the tools to understand how they can channel these resources locally

Apply today to make your mark and help close the digital divide across America. www.americanconnectioncorps.org/apply-now

League of Minnesota Cities' Grant Navigator

Many cities find the grant search and application process overwhelming or lack the staff to research, prepare, and submit a successful application.

The League of Minnesota Cities’ Grant Navigator aims to ease these concerns by providing funding in the form of small grants to help members assess government grant programs and local needs. The program will help city leaders understand, identify, and apply for grant funding for city projects.