Quarterly Newsletter | Autumn 2025

Dozens of organizations, including R5DC, would not have the same knowledge or relationships without Aspen Institute Community Strategies Group. Their work has shaped the field of rural development for decades. We are glad to celebrate Aspen CSG’s 40 years of impact across communities. 

1. Ideal Township - Comprehensive Plan is adopted 
2. Ironton - Comprehensive Plan is adopted 
3. Long Prairie - Adopted an amendment to their existing Comp Plan
4. Wadena - Visioning Session planned for November (kick off to their Comprehensive Plan Update - all those that live, work, play, visit invited to attend - stay tuned for RSVP details) 

Attention Cities: We have grant money available for climate and resiliency planning, engineering and technical assistance, energy-related studies for public buildings, and community planning.

Grants range from $2,000 to $20,000—no local match required!

Contact Staci at sheadley@regionfive.org for details.

• How Bridging Makes Allies of Rural Communities
• R5DC Receives CoBank Rural Prosperity Grant
• Multi-Generational Farm Transition Retreats Being Offered
• A Potential Opportunity for Small Processors and Rural Jobs

October 23: EDD Meeting (NCEDA & R5DC) 5:30 dinner at Sourcewell

November 20: R5DC Board of Directors Meeting | 10 am at R5DC Staples

December 4 : R5DC & NCEDA Annual Meeting at The Woods Event Center

Cass County

Bob Kangas, County Commissioner

Jerecho Worth, Municipalities

Reno Wells, Town Boards

Crow Wing County

Rosemary Franzen, County Commissioner

Tyler Gardner, Municipalities

Doug Kern, Town Boards

Tad Erickson, City of Brainerd

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Morrison County

Greg Blaine, County Commissioner

VACANT, Municipalities

Chuck Parins, Town Boards

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Todd County

Barb Becker, County Commissioner

Debra Nelson, Municipalities

Julie Polak, Town Boards

Wadena County

Murlyn Kreklau, County Commissioner

David A. Anderson, Municipalities

VACANT, Town Boards

Public Interest

Erich Heppner, Higher Education

Rian Hofstad, Camp Ripley

Taran Skwira, Emerging Leader 

Diane Jacobson, SWCD

Sally Fineday, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe

Amy Sjoblad, School Board Rep

Andrea Haverinen, School Board Rep

Christine Kirschbaum, Workforce Development

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RDC board membership comprises elected officials from townships, cities, counties, school boards, and public interest groups per statute 462.388. Current as of October 3, 2025.

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