The 2026 RNDC Region Nine Bus Tour Hits the Road

RNDC welcomed Commissioners, local elected officials, community leaders, and regional partners for the 2026 Region Nine Bus Tour. The annual tour provides an opportunity to experience community projects firsthand while fostering conversations about the partnerships that strengthen south central Minnesota.

This year's tour began in Winnebago with a visit to the Winnebago Area Museum, where Mayor Anderson spoke about the community's rich history and the role local organizations play in preserving it. Winnebago city officials joined the Mayor to greet the attendees and answer their questions.

The tour then traveled to Mapleton where Mayor Annis highlighted several examples of community investment, including the new Child Care House facility and Maple River School, which opened in 2022. Together, the stops showcased how thoughtful planning, collaboration, and local leadership are creating opportunities for residents today while preparing communities for the future.

Mayor Annis was joined by RNDC Planners Joel Haniff and Mark Plotz to discuss transportation initiatives in Mapleton including the city's recent MnDOT Active Transportation Planning Assistance grant award. RNDC staff will be part of the team leading this project and assisting the city throughout.

Participants also visited Three Brothers Meat Market, a local business supported through RNDC's Revolving Loan Fund. The stop highlighted the important role entrepreneurship plays in community development and demonstrated how investments in small businesses create lasting benefits by expanding local services, supporting jobs, and contributing to vibrant local economies. It served as a reminder that investing in entrepreneurs is also an investment in the long-term success of the communities they call home.

Beyond the project tours, one of the greatest values of the day was the opportunity to connect. Bringing together Commissioners, local leaders, stakeholders, and partners on a single bus created space for meaningful conversations, the exchange of ideas, and a deeper understanding of the shared opportunities and challenges facing communities across the region.

RNDC extends a sincere thank you to everyone who participated in this year's bus tour, as well as the hosts, presenters, and community partners who welcomed the group throughout the day. Your hospitality, insights, and willingness to share your work made the experience both informative and inspiring. RNDC looks forward to continuing these conversations and working alongside communities to build a stronger, more connected south central Minnesota.

Andrea Boettger Elected New RNDC Chair

RNDC is pleased to announce the election of Andrea Boettger as Chair of the RNDC Board of Directors. Boettger brings years of experience with the Commission and a strong commitment to regional collaboration as RNDC continues its work to support communities across south central Minnesota.

Boettger has served on the RNDC Board for several years and most recently held the position of Vice Chair. During that time, Boettger also chaired the Legislative and Communications Committee, helping to advance RNDC's policy priorities, strengthen relationships with local, state, and federal partners, and increase awareness of the Commission's work throughout the region.

In addition to RNDC, Boettger serves as President of the New Ulm City Council and is Executive Director of New Ulm Turner Hall. Her background in local government, nonprofit leadership, and financial management provides valuable experience that aligns with RNDC's mission of supporting communities through regional collaboration, strategic planning, and economic development.

As Board Chair, Boettger will work alongside the Commission and staff to continue advancing initiatives that address the region's most pressing opportunities and challenges, including housing, economic development, transportation, community planning, and workforce development.

RNDC also extends its sincere appreciation to outgoing Board Chair Mike Laven for dedicated leadership and service to the Commission. During the past several years, Laven helped guide RNDC through important regional initiatives while fostering collaboration among local governments and regional partners. The Commission thanks Laven for continued commitment to strengthening south central Minnesota and looks forward to building on the strong foundation established during the chairmanship.

RNDC and Partners Host the South Central

Regional Housing Forum

Communities from across South Central Minnesota came together on June 10 for the South Central Regional Housing Forum at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato. Led by RNDC Economic Development Planner Alejandra Bejarano with support from Minnesota Housing, the forum brought together local government officials, housing professionals, developers, lenders, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to discuss one of the region's most pressing issues, housing.

Throughout the day, participants explored regional housing data and affordability trends, learned about technical assistance and funding opportunities, and heard from communities that are developing innovative housing solutions. Panel discussions focused on multifamily housing development, expanding homeownership opportunities, preserving affordable housing, and the importance of incorporating community voices into local housing planning. The event also highlighted how collaboration among public, private, and nonprofit partners can help communities move housing projects from concept to construction.

Housing plays a critical role in the long-term success of south central Minnesota. A diverse housing supply supports workforce recruitment and retention, strengthens local economies, and helps communities remain vibrant places to live and work. As many communities continue to experience housing shortages and rising costs, regional collaboration has become increasingly important in identifying solutions that meet local needs.

Attendees also participated in discussions about housing priorities that will help inform RNDC's ongoing Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) update. Input gathered during the forum will help shape regional economic development goals and identify opportunities for future partnerships that support housing and community growth across South Central Minnesota.

RNDC extends its sincere appreciation to Minnesota Housing for its partnership in planning the forum, as well as the Minnesota Housing Partnership, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, the many speakers, panelists, moderators, and attendees who contributed their time and expertise. By working together, communities throughout the region are building stronger partnerships and creating momentum toward expanding housing opportunities for current and future residents.

Local Foods Month Returns This August

Local Foods Month is right around the corner! The annual initiative highlights the value of locally grown food while building lasting partnerships between farmers, restaurants, and communities across south central Minnesota.

The event was created to increase awareness of local food systems and encourage greater investment in the farmers and producers who help feed the region. The month-long celebration connects local growers with restaurants, giving consumers an opportunity to enjoy fresh, locally sourced menu items while learning more about where their food comes from.

Planning for the event is already underway. RNDC staff members Sabri Fair and Nate George have begun visiting participating farms and restaurants to learn more about this year's partnerships and capture the stories behind the people producing and serving local food throughout the region.

Each year, RNDC begins by working with local producers to identify farms interested in supplying restaurants. Participating restaurants are then matched with growers to create unique partnerships that showcase locally grown ingredients on menus throughout August.

For farmers, Local Foods Month provides an opportunity to diversify sales channels, expand market visibility, and build new business relationships. Restaurants benefit from access to high-quality local products while creating seasonal menu offerings that celebrate the region's agricultural diversity. Consumers, in turn, discover where local food is grown and where it can be purchased, including farmers markets, food co-ops, grocery stores, and on-farm retail locations throughout south central Minnesota.

Join us in celebrating Local Foods Month throughout August, by dining at participating restaurants and supporting the farmers and businesses that make local food possible.

Additional information, participating farms and restaurants, featured stories, and event updates will be released throughout July at www.rndc.org/local-foods-month/ or click the button below.

Three Region Nine Communities Awarded

2026 CERTs Seed Grants

Three projects in the Region Nine service area have been selected to receive 2026 Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) Seed Grants, bringing new investments in community-led energy efficiency and conservation efforts across south central Minnesota.

Since 2006, CERTs has awarded more than $2.36 million to over 560 community projects throughout Minnesota. Seed Grants provide $5,000 to $10,000 to help launch local clean energy initiatives, supporting projects that can inspire additional investment and long-term community impact. The 2026 funding round includes 52 projects statewide, with a strong emphasis on serving underserved communities and helping households reduce energy costs through practical, locally driven solutions.

The three Region Nine projects represent a variety of approaches to improving energy efficiency while engaging residents, students, and community partners.

Region Nine Development Commission – BRIDGE the Gap: Student-Led Energy Outreach (Mankato)

RNDC's BRIDGE the Gap project will empower student leaders to conduct neighborhood outreach in underserved communities. Students will distribute energy conservation kits, share practical energy-saving information, and connect residents with available utility programs and resources that can help lower household energy costs.

Climate Smart St. James – Residential Furnace Inspections and Tune-Ups

Climate Smart St. James will provide furnace inspections and tune-ups for at least 50 homes in the St. James area. The project aims to improve home heating safety while increasing energy efficiency and reducing heating costs for participating households.

Comfrey High School – Bright Ideas for Comfrey

Students at Comfrey High School will lead an LED lighting upgrade at the Comfrey Public Library and local daycare center. The project will improve lighting quality, reduce maintenance expenses, and lower carbon emissions while giving students hands-on experience with energy conservation. Community outreach and student education will help create a model that can be replicated by other schools and communities.

These projects demonstrate the innovative ways communities across Region Nine are addressing energy challenges through local leadership, collaboration, and practical solutions. By investing in projects that reduce energy costs, improve efficiency, and educate residents, the CERTs Seed Grant program continues to support stronger, more resilient communities throughout south central Minnesota.