Quarterly Newsletter | Winter 2025

Curious about what we do?

We’re a unique organization—bringing together community development, economic growth, and transportation initiatives all in one place.

Watch this video to learn more about how we make it all happen!

Our annual report for Fiscal Year 2024 has been released! We invite you to take a few minutes to see the impact our team and our wonderful partners and community members had in our region!

Highlights of our programs and our emphasis on bridging relationships and resources are shared.

We are grateful to our 2025 R5DC Board of Directors:

Doug Kern, Chairperson, Crow Wing County Town Boards

David A. Anderson. Vice-Chair, Wadena County Municipalities

Julie Polak, Secretary, Todd County Town Boards

Greg Blaine, Treasurer, Morrison County Commissioner

Jerecho Worth, Director, Cass County Commissioner

Rosemary Franzen, Crow Wing County Commissioner

Andrea Haverinen, Director, Region 5 School Board Representative.

Welcome Kevin

As a Transportation Planner, Kevin coordinates regional and state-level (MnDOT-funded) transportation planning projects. He promotes active transportation initiatives, oversees Safe Routes to School planning, conducts walkability and health impact assessments, and supports sustainable transportation strategies. 

Welcome Samantha

Samantha joins the team as a controller. She prepares financial statements and manages audits, oversees multiple bank accounts, and ensures compliance, collaborating with our team to support regional growth. We are excited to having her expertise and knowledge in our finance department!

Farewell Tad

We wish Tad all the best in his new role at MnDOT! Over 12½ years as R5DC Transportation Planner, Tad made a lasting impact by leading key committees, facilitating numerous plans, and contributing to impactful projects. We’ve enjoyed witnessing his professional growth, dedication, and the joy of seeing his family thrive.

Mental Health

Current focus is on the Regional Mental Health Strategic Plan. Mental health needs across our region continue to grow, while access to care often falls below state and national averages. This plan is a critical step forward. By adopting a “no wrong door” approach, we’ve engaged stakeholders, collected meaningful data, and begun crafting systemic solutions. By June 2025, we will finalize a comprehensive Regional Strategic Plan to improve mental well-being for all residents in Region Five and beyond. Another area of interest is in navigation of resources and the development of a Community Resource Center, in partnership with Morrison County and the Sauer Foundation.

Social Cohesion

Co-led by The Sowing Room, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering inclusivity. This organization creates safe spaces where everyone feels they belong. At a time when division and polarization often dominate the conversation, this initiative stands as a testament to the power of social cohesion. It reminds us that our differences are not weaknesses—they are our strengths. Strategies involving a cultivating communities summit, inclusive employer programs, and empowering marginalized voices are forming alongside the Sowing Room’s work in Region 5.

Workforce Development

Career Pathway Mapping is paving the way for workforce development. By connecting education, industry, and opportunity, we’re addressing workforce challenges head-on. In January 2025, our first mapping sessions will focus on healthcare and agriculture. These sessions will bring together leaders from higher education and industry to lay the groundwork for replicating this process in other career clusters in the future. Through these efforts, we’re not just solving labor shortages. We’re investing in our youth, our communities, and our shared future.

R5DC and NCEDA are pleased to offer incentives for identifying optimal energy efficiency projects for businesses and governments in our region.

Cities who have completed Energy & Environment Plans with R5DC are encouraged to apply by March 1st. This funding supports small cities in planning or implementing energy efficiency, renewable energy, or climate resiliency projects. Grants ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 are available with no local match required. Eligible projects include climate planning, energy audits, technical assistance, and energy-related studies for public buildings.

Feb 27: R5DC Commission Meeting | 6 pm at Sourcewell

Mar 27: Economic Development DD Meeting | Dinner 5:30 pm at Sourcewell

• R5DC Announces Annual Award Winners
• Sacred Revival—The Reinvention of a Church to Boutique Hotel
• Scaling Local Climate Action through Peer Networks: Part One
• Submit Your Project Idea to Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships
• Top Economic Development Strategies for Rural Communities
• MN Dept of Commerce Releases Geothermal Planning Grants to Local Government

Cass County

Bob Kangas, County Commissioner

Jerecho Worth, Municipalities

Susan Falk, Town Boards

Crow Wing County

Rosemary Franzen, County Commissioner

VACANT, Municipalities

Doug Kern, Town Boards

Tad Erickson, City of Brainerd

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Morrison County

Greg Blaine, County Commissioner

Rollie Johnson, Municipalities

Chuck Parins, Town Boards

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Todd County

Barb Becker, County Commissioner

Deb Nelson, Municipalities

Julie Polak, Town Boards

Wadena County

Ron Noon, County Commissioner

David A. Anderson, Municipalities

VACANT, Town Boards

Public Interest

Hara Charlier, 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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*Current as of January 23, 2024.

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RDC board membership comprises elected officials from townships, cities, counties, school boards, and public interest groups per statute 462.388.