WHAT'S NEW AT R5DC?
Quarterly Newsletter | January 2022
AGENCY WIDE
R5DC RELEASES FIVE YEAR REPORT
So much has happened during the last five years! Check out our Five Year Report to catch the highlights of our work in community development, economic development and transportation initiatives in our region.
A focus on local foods, energy and environment and welcoming communities are featured.

View the report online at regionfive.org/five-year-report
R5DC & SPROUT HOST GROW EVENT
In December, R5DC hosted GROW (Growers Regional Opportunities Workshop), in partnership with SproutMN at Central Lakes College in Staples.

This was an opportunity for local growers and farmers to connect and network, discuss their needs, and learn about opportunities. More to come on the outcome of this event!
R5DC WELCOMES BRENDAN LEE-GILLIGAN
We are excited to announce that Brendan Lee-Gilligan has joined our team. Brendan is a GreenCorps member and will be focused on energy and environment initiatives in our region. Welcome Brendan!

Learn more about Brendan and our staff at regionfive.org/staff
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT PLANNING
graphic with trees fruit and arrows pointing up
Energy and Environment Planning (EEP) is underway in the cities of Cass Lake, Hewitt, Jenkins and Swanville.
If these are taking place in your city or you are interested in learning more, please check out the EEP pages at right for more details.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Congratulations to our 2021 Award Recipients! Our annual awards ceremony was held in December. Read more.
Outstanding Business Partner | Five Rocks Distilling
Outstanding Business Partner | Brainerd Family YMCA
Exceptional Service Provider | Department of Public Transformation
Exceptional Service Provider | Voices for Rural Resilience
Exceptional Regional Partner | Cass, Crow Wing, Morrison, Todd, Wadena Soil & Water Conservation Districts
Pictured Top Left to Right: Brainerd Family YMCA, Cass, Morrison, Todd, Wadena Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and Five Rocks Distilling. Pictured Bottom Left to Right: Voices for Rural Resilience and Department of Public Transformation, Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District, Pillager Chamber Singers.
TRANSPORTATION
R5DC IN THE NEWS
EVENTS
Jan 27: R5DC Commission Meeting | 6pm at Sourcewell
Feb 24: R5DC Commission Meeting | 6pm at Sourcewell
Mar 24: EDD* & R5DC Meeting | 5:30pm Dinner | 6pm Meeting at Sourcewell
*EDD includes NCEDA Full Corporation and R5DC Commissioners
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Grants
Non-Infrastructure opportunities include Planning Assistance grants and Boost Non-Infrastructure (program implementation). Infrastructure Opportunities include State SRTS Funds (no local match required). Solicitation is open. R5DC is available for application assistance. Learn more or reach out to our staff for more information.
 
Transportation Alternatives Program Funding
The Transportation Alternatives Solicitation is a competitive grant opportunity for local communities and regional agencies to fund projects for pedestrian and bicycle facilities, historic preservation, Safe Routes to School and more. Funding is a 20% local match. Solicitation is open. R5DC is available for application assistance. Learn more or reach out to R5DC for more information.
 
EDA American Rescue Plan Program Funding
There are several grant opportunities now available through the Federal EDA. R5DC is available to assist with project ideas, application reviews, project partner facilitation, regional and local data collection, etc. Learn more or contact R5DC for more information.
 
University of Minnesota Extension RSDP Idea Brief
Do you have an idea to improve sustainability in your community? RSDP's statewide project application period takes place from January 1 to February 14, 2022. Learn more

Minnesota Power Low-Income Solar Program
The Low Income Solar Program provides funding for projects that make it possible for income-qualified customers to have easier access to solar power. Applications for projects that benefit income-qualified customers or facilities that serve income-qualified customers can be submitted by Minnesota Power customers, solar installers or developers, or community groups. Learn more
Read the latest news from our 501(c)3 lending organization, North Central Economic Development Association.