Quarterly Newsletter | July 2021 In this issue we share information about our current projects, news, events, and resources to promote vibrant, welcoming communities in our region.

WHAT'S NEW AT R5DC?

AGENCY WIDE

With careful consideration and community feedback, we have put together the 5-Year Strategic Plan for R5DC & NCEDA. From discovery and visioning stages, to collecting community and stakeholder input, to the planning sessions with our dedicated team, to review and buy-in from commissioners – we leaned on our organizational values and trusted frameworks to guide the strategic planning efforts.  The individuals who make up our team at R5DC and NCEDA have a diverse set of strengths and passions that are drawn upon and uplifted to do our best work. Leaning on our supportive and gifted partners, we work together to collaborate – not compete – in order to best serve our region at large. View Strategic Plan

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

R5DC begins the Prioritized Implementation Planning Process (PIP) for the community of Crosslake in July. Learn more about PIP at www.regionfive.org/comprehensive-planning

The Long Prairie River Watershed has been selected by the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) for the One Watershed, One Plan program. This program allows counties to transition from county-based water management planning to watershed-based planning. The planning area for the Long Prairie River One Watershed, One Plan includes portions of Douglas, Otter Tail, Wadena, Todd, and Morrison Counties. R5DC facilitates these meetings between the County Boards and the SWCD Boards to develop this plan. Learn more at https://www.co.todd.mn.us/1w1p

WELCOMING COMMUNITIES

Are you curious to learn more about Welcoming Communities Advocacy Groups? Listen in as we hear from Kathy Hachey, GoNorth MN; Tom Lillehei, former Mayor of Breezy Point and R5DC Commissioner; and our very own Dawn Espe as they share more details about this community-driven program aimed to create welcoming spaces in our region.

Visit our Welcoming Communities website page

Listen to WCAG GoNorth Podcast Episode

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

In May, we held celebration for our FY20 Annual Award Winners and Service Awards. Congratulations to the following individuals, businesses, and organizations: Entrepreneur Lending Partner | Luna Women's Wellness & Birth Center NCEDA Business Partner | Hub 71, Inc. R5DC Exceptional Service Provider | Growth & Justice R5DC Outstanding Regional Partner | MN Employment & Economic Development NCEDA Service Appreciation | Mo Durheim, Steve Gertken R5DC Service Appreciation | Chair Weego, Commissioners Lillehei, Monson, Parins

TRANSPORTATION

The Region 5 Regional Transportation Coordinating Council (R5RTCC) wrapped up Phase 3 on June 30, 2021 and Phase 4 begins July 1, 2021. This program is facilitated by R5DC and funded by MN Department of Transportation. To fill transportation gaps in our rural areas, volunteer drivers are in high demand. Check out our video to learn more about this opportunity! For details, visit: https://www.regionfive.org/rtcc

R5DC will start the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) planning process for the community of Verndale in August. Learn more about SRTS at www.regionfive.org/safe-routes-to-school

IN THE NEWS

USDA Launches Resource Guide to Help America’s Rural Workforce Build Back Better Reimagining federal rural policy: A podcast series with Rural Matters Capacity Building as Key to Successful Rural Development, with Cheryal Hills and Rob Riley Community Supported Agriculture Increases Food Access for Veterans in Minnesota To Build Back Better, Job Quality Is the Key

Earlier this year, The Rural Assembly put out a call: they wanted to see and share your favorite places. They wanted to celebrate the places that bring you joy, whether in your backyard, down the road, or across the country. Enjoy this collection of those places, from California, Nebraska, South Carolina and more. Over the summer, they’ll share each of these individual stories on social media. Follow along as they travel through these favorite places. Have one of your own to share? Tag Rural Assembly in a post or email tracy@ruralstrategies.org.

EVENTS

July 21: Regional Military & Veterans Exchange July 21: Digital Equity Roundtable July 27: TRUE Tuesdays Session 15 - Understanding Relationships with Sovereign Nations in MN Part 2: Biiwabikowanzh July 29: Work-Life Integration Workshop by Sourcewell Sept 30: Save the Date: Regional Broadband Conference

Read the latest news from our 501(c)3 lending organization, North Central Economic Development Association.

What's happening in the region? Check out our Events on Facebook: Region Five Development Commission Facebook The Good Life North Central MN Facebook Listen to our podcast! 😊

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