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

WHAT'S NEW AT R5DC?

AGENCY WIDE

Happy New Year from all of us at R5DC & NCEDA! 2020 was a unique year in many ways. If you are looking to find silver linings, we've got a few... Learn more about the programs and highlights of R5DC and NCEDA in our Annual Report. Here's to 2021!

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING

R5DC is seeking municipalities to participate in local planning to mitigate against your community’s unique identified near-term energy and environment risks. LEARN MORE

The City of Staples is seeking public input for an Energy & Environment planning survey. Staples residents and visitors are asked to complete the survey by February 20th.

TAKE THE SURVEY

PANDEMIC PLANNING RESOURCES

Community resilience virtual roundtables Find Good Jobs Now Regional Economic Conditions Conference in January around COVID  R5DC COVID Resources

TRANSPORTATION

Listen to our latest podcast episode where we share more information about the Transportation Advisory Council. Special guests include: Steve Voss, MN Department of Transportation; Tim Bray, Crow Wing County; Chuck Parins, Morrison County Public Works and R5DC Township Representative for Morrison County; and Tad Erickson, R5DC Senior Regional Planner.

WELCOMING COMMUNITIES

We are excited to announce the launch of our Equity Action Guide for Rural Communities! This action guide was created by a team of community champions from Growth & Justice with the support of the R5DC staff & project team members. Learn more: regionfive.org/welcoming-communities

Are you or your organization taking steps to inspire others to build equity, inclusion and shared prosperity in our Minnesota communities? Share your experience with others! Go to regionfive.org/yourstory to share your story.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

R5DC has funds available to lend through the EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant. These funds are designated to capitalize and administer Revolving Loan Funds (RLFs) that will provide critical gap financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs adversely affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Crow Wing, Cass, Morrison, Todd, and Wadena counties. Contact Stephanie Barney for more info! L E A R N   M O R E A P P L Y   H E R E

IN THE NEWS

Share your idea to improve sustainability with RSDP - UMN Extension Feds Announce Over $400M for Rural Broadband in MN Building Community Wealth: The Role of Arts and Culture in Equitable Economic Development The Power of Community-Based Food Systems From Crops to Co-ops - Small Towns Want Better Internet (Episode 5) Building the Institutions Needed to Strengthen Worker Voice USDA Funding Available to Help Low-Income Individuals and Families Buy or Repair Homes  Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans in Minnesota Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants

EVENTS

January 7: How Can We Breathe: Policy Makers and Community January 12: With Malice Toward None January 13: 2021 Regional Economic Conditions Conference February 10: Regional Military & Veteran Exchange for Region 5 MN February 20-28: Back to Basics Conference | Happy Dancing Turtle Springboard for the Arts - Events Page

GRANTS

Outdoor Recreation Grant Program Natural and Scenic Area Program Federal Recreational Trail Program Regional Trail Grant Program Local Trail Connections Grant Program

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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