WHAT'S NEW AT R5DC?
Quarterly Newsletter | April 2022
AGENCY WIDE
R5DC COMPLETES CREDS
Check out the Comprehensive Regional Economic Development Strategy designed for our region. This was developed by R5DC with extensive community input and collaboration. A successful CREDS is created through an inclusive, analytical and reflective planning process and results in a measurable road map to regional economic prosperity.

Learn more and view the report online at regionfive.org/creds
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
R5DC LAUNCHES THE SOWING ROOM
With the success of the Welcoming Communities program and in an effort to continue planting the seeds of community, The Sowing Room website was created.

The Sowing Room is an initiative facilitated by Region Five Development Commission and funded by the Northwest Area Foundation. Visit the website and sign up for the newsletter!
See what's happening with Energy & Environment Planning at R5DC!
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Did you know R5DC has a non-profit lending arm, North Central Economic Development Association (NCEDA), focused on Economic Development in our region?

Are you curious about economic development? Watch this video for an easy to understand explanation.
NCEDA LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
TRANSPORTATION
The City of Pequot Lakes has been awarded a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Planning Assistance Grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). The SRTS programs work to improve safety, reduce traffic, and improve the air quality near schools. R5DC will work with Pequot Lakes on a number of efforts, including an analysis of existing conditions, public outreach, and identification of potential solutions to help more children walk and bike safely to school.
The R5RTCC continues to work to fill transportation gaps, streamline access to transportation and provide individuals more options for travel throughout the region.

How to Ride the Bus videos have been created for each county (see example at left), along with a Transit Directory and R5RTCC brochure.
R5DC IN THE NEWS
EVENTS
April 28: R5DC Commission Meeting | 6pm at Sourcewell
May 26: R5DC Commission Meeting | 6pm at Sourcewell
June 23: R5DC Commission Meeting | 6pm at Sourcewell
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Innovation Fund Grant
The Initiative Foundation makes grants through its Innovation Fund for projects and programs that advance our mission to empower people across Central Minnesota to build a thriving economy, vibrant communities and a lasting culture of generosity. Innovation Fund grants primarily support start-up or capacity-building projects across the 14 counties of Central Minnesota. Applications to the Innovation Fund are accepted on an ongoing basis, with quarterly awards made through a competitive review process. Application deadline is May 6. Learn more.

Rural Community Development Initiative
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications for grants that will advance equity in rural communities through improvements in housing, community facilities, and community and economic development. USDA is making the grants available under the Rural Community Development Initiative program. Qualified intermediaries may use the funds to improve housing and community facilities, and to implement community and economic development projects in rural areas. Eligible applicants include public bodies and tribal authorities, nonprofit organizations and qualified for-profit organizations. Grants may be used to train sub-grantees to conduct educational training on homeownership or minority-owned business entrepreneurship. 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.