Grafton, ND – September 30, 2024 – The Red River Regional Council is pleased to announce the inaugural “State of Region 4” event, taking place on Wednesday, October 9, at 4:00 p.m. at the Minto Community Center and is open to the public while requesting RSVPs. This important gathering will focus on the growth opportunities and investment needs in northeast North Dakota, emphasizing the unique perspectives of rural and small-town communities.
“Ahead of the 2025 legislative session, we wanted to create an event that showcases the exciting prospects and development needs in our region,” said Amy Suda, President of the Red River Regional Council. “We’re all in this together—many of us live and work within an hour’s drive of each other, and about 44% of the workforce in Grand Forks actually resides in nearby areas.”
Event Highlights Include:
- Development Highlights: Presented by Dawn Mandt, Executive Director, and Barry Wilfahrt, Vice President, RRRC
- State of Housing: Insights from Lisa Rotvold of the Red River Community Housing Development Organization, and Amie Vasichek from the City of Lakota
- State of Childcare: Updates from Stacie Sevigny, Walsh County Job Development Authority
- State of Workforce: Presented by Kristi Kasprick, Real. Good. Project Manager, RRRC
- Special Address: Congressman Kelly Armstrong
- Legislative Panel: Featuring Sen. Myrdal, Rep. Monson, Sen. Meyer, Rep. O’Brien, and Rep. Hagert
The northeast corner of North Dakota is poised for significant growth, with emerging industries such as uncrewed aerial systems and the Grand Sky project projected to create over 1,000 jobs in the next five years. The North Dakota Department of Transportation forecasts that the region will grow by 26,000 people by 2045.
Communities across the region are making strides in development, including modernized schools, performing arts centers, recreational amenities, and healthcare facilities. Notable new initiatives, such as those at North Valley and the Impact Academy, aim to enhance educational opportunities for high school students and the workforce.
“We’re truly excited about the future of our region,” said Dawn Mandt, Executive Director of the Red River Regional Council. “In the last Census, 18 out of our 42 communities saw growth, reversing a long-standing trend of decline in rural areas, and nearly all our businesses are optimistic about their future.”
In late 2023, the Red River Regional Council finalized the 2024-2028 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), informed by public input from over 2,000 residents. This strategy outlines the region's vision for growth, and refer to additional detailed plans for tourism, workforce, and housing.
To support this anticipated growth, particularly in rural areas, investment in housing, childcare, workforce development, and other key areas is essential.
“Our regional housing action plan is designed to focus on small towns that have seen little new development in years,” said Lisa Rotvold. “We’re launching pilot projects, including four new single-family homes in Lakota and Larimore, and an 8-plex in Cavalier.”
As rural markets present unique challenges, recent legislative changes have opened the door for new projects in small towns. “We’re grateful to our state leaders for their support and hope to see increased funding beyond the current $12.6 million in 2025,” Rotvold added.
This year, the region has welcomed nearly 1,000 H2A farm workers from South Africa and South America, with a growing trend of individuals relocating to small towns, especially with the rise of remote work options. This reflects the attractiveness of small-town living and highlights the need for increased investment.
“We’re eager to tackle the challenges that stand in the way of growth. We have our plans ready; now we just need the investment to help our small towns thrive,” Mandt emphasized.
Each of the eight regional councils in North Dakota is organizing similar events to discuss local growth and opportunities.
RSVPs are requested by calling 701-352-3550 or email lori@redriverrc.com by Friday, October 4.
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