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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The Red River Regional Council is currently seeking applicants for a full-time director of the Walsh County Job Development Authority. Join a forward-looking team of professionals with more than 125 years of related experience in rural development. This position will be focused on business and community development, workforce, housing, childcare, and tourism throughout Walsh County.

The position requires a bachelor’s degree or higher in economic development, marketing, business administration, public administration, or a related field as well as three to five years of relatable experience. The salary range is $55,000 to $75,000. The position includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; 10% retirement contribution; vacation, sick, and holiday paid leave; and more. Must be a Walsh County resident.

Applications shall include a resume and three professional references sent to Dawn@redriverrc.com by close of business Wednesday, August 16, 2023.  Interviews will be conducted on Monday, August 21, 2023. A full job description and application packet can be viewed here or by contacting Lori Estad, Office and Fiscal Manager, at Lori@redriverrc.com, or Dawn Mandt, Executive Director, Dawn@redriverrc.com or by calling 701-352-3550.

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The Walsh County Job Development Authority (WCJDA) has entered into a partnership with the Red River Regional Council for professional staff and fiscal management services through 2026. 

The Walsh County JDA assists businesses with securing financing and provides interest buy down funding opportunities for new and expanding businesses in Walsh County. The WCJDA board consists of 12 members from across Walsh County who share a vision of growing our communities and providing the means to do so. 

“We are very excited to partner with the Red River Regional Council,” said Julie Gemmill, WCJDA Board Chair. “We want to make sure that our Walsh County communities continue to thrive and look forward to collaborating with the Regional Council to address concerns with workforce development, housing and childcare.”

The WCJDA becomes the third JDA to contract in this manner with the Regional Council. The Regional Council has been providing contracted staff to Nelson and Pembina County JDAs since their inception some 30+ years ago. Together, the four organizations have been building and supporting shared goals around workforce development and attraction and destination development/visitor attraction over the past several years. 

A full-time executive director will be hired to serve Walsh County while Lori Estad will provide office and fiscal management support. Estad has 27 years of organization and grant fiscal management experience with the Regional Council. The Walsh County JDA will now be supported by a team of six full-time and two part-time professionals with more than 125 years of relevant experience in rural development. 

“We are excited to link arms with the WCJDA,” said Dawn Mandt, Regional Council Executive Director.  “Through the JDA partnerships, we are able to provide a cohesive, regional development approach and an extraordinary team that is driven for results.” 

In 2022, the Regional Council team assisted in developing 79 funding requests which led to securing $8.3 million and leveraging an additional $4.3 million for a total regional investment of $12.7 million.  The Regional Council also hired experts in housing development and workforce attraction/development in the past year and is in the middle of developing a five-year regional comprehensive economic development strategy for northeastern North Dakota.

Angelle French, the former Walsh County JDA director, transitioned to lead the Pembina County JDA in early 2023. 

The RRRC is accepting applications for the role of executive director of the Walsh County JDA through Wednesday, August 16, and plans to interview candidates on August 21.  An application and informational packet can be found on the RRRC website here or by contacting Lori Estad, Office Manager, at Lori@redriverrc.com, or Dawn Mandt, Executive Director, Dawn@redriverrc.com or by calling 701-352-3550.

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As part of the five year strategic development plan for Region 4, we have conducted in-depth data analysis of key trends - both demographic and economics - in the region. We have uncovered a few new topics in the process and are working to release this information in a summary and sharable format.

These trends, you'll see, are mixed bag of urban and rural trends within our four counties. The mixed bag is largely a contrast of rural and urban dynamics in North Dakota today. Together, our small towns have a total population of approximately 35,000 people - the size of West Fargo. This population is disbursed amongst 41 towns with Grafton being the largest at 4,200 and 10 communities ranging from 512 to 1,430 people.  The rest are smaller.  The city of Grand Forks is approximately 60,000 people.

According to studies by the Aspen Institute and Headwaters Economics, North Dakota is ranked last in the country for rural development capacity. Lack of adequate professional staff, leadership development and resources to champion rural issues and create positive momentum. Comparing the systems that support growth in our larger cities to our rural communities, disparities are significant.

For example, large communities have convention and visitors bureaus, community development departments, chambers of commerce leading community/business policy/funding, economic development organizations, housing authorities active in housing development, downtown associations, as well as significant private sector and nonprofit organizations. Rural areas lack the regional taxing authorities and critical mass to support development efforts and systems at a comparative level. A rural capacity map - Headwaters Economics Rural Development Hubs: Strengthening America’s Rural Innovation Infrastructure - The Aspen Institute

Statewide, population growth the past decade was largely focused in the state's largest communities with just three counties accounting for 70% of population growth - Cass (Fargo), Burleigh (Bismarck) and Williams (Williston). Our counties have continued an 80-year trend of overall population loss - with the rate of loss beginning to slow.

Wages appear to be a big driver of where people live in ND. Rural wages are generally considerably less than wages in our larger communities in ND. People of prime workforce ages are migrating to the larger communities. Gender wage equity is also a large issue - with women earning significantly less than men (25 to 29% less). Healthcare and education sectors have the most significant differences in rural vs. urban areas (26 to 58% less in rural counties than Grand Forks County).

Lack of equity in wages also exacerbates the housing development conundrum in rural ND. New housing development is stagnant in rural areas. Only 6% of the housing in our rural communities has been built in the past 20 years compared to 25% in Grand Forks. Programs such as the ND Housing Incentive Fund has been used to build 3,040 housing units in the oil patch and in the state's larger cities ($100 million in HIF funds) while only 3% (103 units) of the total units have been in small towns outside the oil patch ($6.4 million in HIF funds).

Positive trends include ... most all of our businesses have been planning for growth! More than 1,500 new people are needed to fill new jobs / retirement vacancies in our rural communities. We are re-launching a nonprofit housing development corporation to help spark new housing development regionwide.

Our community spirit is showing broad signs on a rally throughout the entire region. One small town recently proclaimed ... out loud ... "We are not going to die." The Nelson County Women's Network now boasts 450+ members in this county of just 3,000 people. Frost Fire Park has launched a regional master development plan. Grafton's Beautification Committee has bold visions. Community gardens are popping up. Murals are enlivening outdoor walls all over. Walhalla proudly celebrated its 175th birthday this past week.

We've been asking ourselves ... what do we want our region to look like in five years?

If you have some thoughts ... send them over to Dawn Mandt, Executive Director, dawn@redriverrc.com.

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Please accept this print-friendly version to share at meetings around the region.

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The Red River Regional Council (RRRC) has recently added three new members to its team, Angelle French, Lule Naas, and Lisa Rotvold. Each is leading specific initiatives, projects, or programs to address needs in rural Region 4, which includes Grand Forks, Nelson, Pembina, and Walsh counties.

Angelle French

Angelle French has been hired as the Pembina County Job Development Authority (JDA) Director. The JDA was formally established in 1991 and has contracted for professional staff services with the RRRC since its inception.

In early 2023, the Pembina County JDA hired French as its first full-time director. She had previously served as the Walsh County JDA director.

French holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota-Crookston and a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Dakota. French currently serves as the President of the Rendezvous Region Tourism Council and an ex officio for the Pembina Gorge Foundation.

French resides near Hamilton, ND with her husband and young son.

Lule Naas

Florija “Lule” Naas has been hired as the Destination Red River Project Manager and the Nelson County Job Development Authority (JDA) Director. The Destination Northeast ND Project is a four-county initiative focused on rural tourism and visitor attraction. Lule joined the Regional Council in December of 2022 on a part-time basis but has served as a volunteer on this initiative since September of 2021.

Lule has been an active Nelson County JDA board member since 2020 and recently resigned that position to move into the Director role. This position is contracted through the RRRC.  

Naas holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety & Environmental Health from the University of North Dakota, and a Master of Science in Emergency Management from North Dakota State University. Lule is a Community Champion for Find the Good Life North Dakota, serves on a volunteer committee for Arts Across the Prairie, and actively volunteers for numerous community organizations and events in her community and county.

Naas resides in McVille, ND with her husband, a fourth-generation crop farmer, and their daughter.

Lisa Rotvold

Lisa Rotvold has been hired to lead the Red River Community Housing Development Organization (Red River CHDO), a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization started by the RRRC in 1996. The organization was established to help address affordable housing needs in the region. After a period of inactivity, Red River CHDO is ramping up operations to help spark new housing development in the region. Rotvold joins us with 28 years of experience in the affordable housing industry resulting in more than 1,000 housing units across North Dakota .

She holds bachelor’s degrees in environmental science and architecture from North Dakota State University. She is certified as a Housing Development Financial Professional, and a Housing Credit Certified Professional. Rotvold also earned a non-profit management certificate from Minnesota State University Moorhead.

Rotvold lives in Hillsboro, ND with her husband and has two adult children.

“We are delighted to have these professionals join our energetic and passionate team focused on a rural transformation in northeastern North Dakota,” said Dawn Mandt, Executive Director.  “Each bring areas of expertise that will increase our collaborative impact.”

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