FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Plans for the 532 Hill Avenue business incubator are moving forward, with construction tentatively set to begin in 2025. The Red River Regional Council (RRRC) has received approval from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration to use a design/build approach for the project. Design/build enables selecting one team for both design and construction simultaneously at the beginning of the project.

The project was designed and solicited construction bids twice in 2023 without success.

“We believe this approach will help us work more efficiently, align the project team’s goals, and stay on budget,” said Dawn Mandt, RRRC Executive Director. “We’re also hopeful this process will enable local contractors to get involved.”

After the holidays, the RRRC will issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to find a design/build team. Teams will have three weeks to respond, after which qualified groups will be interviewed and evaluated. The chosen team will work on transforming the 10,000-square-foot vacant building at 532 Hill Avenue into a hub for businesses and the community. Planned renovations include a shared-use kitchen, conference rooms, small retail spaces, coworking areas, a gathering space, and offices.

“We are grateful for the patience of our funding partners as we’ve continued to identify a path forward for this project,” said Mandt.  “We are hopeful that many recent large-scale federally funded construction projects are nearing completion and the pipeline is less crowded today.”

Current funding partners for this project include the EDA, RRRC, Walsh County Job Development Authority, Marvin, City of Grafton, Polar Communications, and the U.S. Bank Foundation.

The RRRC has also welcomed Brenda Baumann as a project manager. Brenda, originally from Grafton, recently launched Envision Consulting and Planning in Warroad, MN. She brings valuable experience from her previous role as Executive Director of The Hub, a coworking and entrepreneurship incubator in Warroad.

“I’m excited to partner with the regional council and build upon their vision to create a space to serve the area innovators and future start-ups.  I’ve seen first-hand how an incubator, like 523 Hill Avenue becomes a catalyst for enriching communities.” said Baumann.   

As one example, the direct impacts of similar efforts in Warroad resulted in forty-three new client registrations in partnership with the Small Business Development center within the first five years.

In addition to selecting a design/build team and renovating the building, the RRRC will be reviewing the proposed operational plan that was prepared in 2022. This will include research, potential client gatherings to assist in co-creating the programming, solidify partnerships with resource providers, naming and branding the facility.  Throughout this entire project process, there will be community education and public project updates provided.

“Small towns in our region are brimming with renewed energy, and we’re thrilled to support that through the incubator and enabling additional sites in the region,” said Amy Suda, RRRC President and Walsh County Commissioner. “With Brenda’s proven success in Warroad, we’re confident this project will help inspire new businesses, restaurants, and more.”

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The Red River Regional Council (RRRC) is a public organization that supports economic development, community planning, and regional collaboration in northeastern North Dakota. It works with local governments, businesses, and community groups to enhance the quality of life and economic opportunities in the region.

Their efforts often include securing funding for projects, helping communities plan for growth, and supporting initiatives like business incubators, housing development, and infrastructure improvements. The RRRC serves as a resource to guide and implement projects that benefit the region's residents and businesses.

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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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The Red River Regional Council propose the development of a new program, Red River PRICE Program, via application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The application deadline is July 10, 2024.

A summary of the program and its key elements is also attached below. If the preview is not viewable, simply download the file to view.

There will be a public meeting on the proposed application on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at the RRRC office located 516 Cooper Avenue, Grafton, ND, at 9:00 a.m.

A paper copy of the proposal is also available by request at the RRRC.

Comments may be also submitted to Dawn Mandt, Executive Director, at dawn@redriverrc.com by 5 p.m. July 6, 2024.

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We've concluded:

Northeast ND is Positioned for Strong Growth

Three years of outreach, public engagement, and conversations, several surveys, and interviews are informing key focus areas for community and economic improvement. In-depth data and trend analysis coupled with input from advisory groups has informed this plan.

Click here to view a copy of the draft plan. Comments can be submitted to Dawn Mandt, Executive Director, by the end of December. dawn@redriverrc.com.

Each of the state's eight regional councils are currently undergoing similar regional planning efforts.

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