Region Nine Development Commission

Yesterday's RNDC Commission Meeting marked an exciting day of recognition and leadership transitions.

RNDC recognized Hunter Jordan, High School-Aged Commissioner, for his service to the Commission and for launching the Building Regional Impact through Development, Government and Engagement (BRIDGE) Club at Mankato West High School. RNDC wishes Hunter continued success in his future endeavors.

The Commission also honored Mike Laven for his service as RNDC Board Chair, serving since 2022. Interim Executive Director Jessica Beyer presented Mike with an award to recognize his leadership and commitment to advancing south central Minnesota.

The Commission elected Andrea Boettger as the new Board Chair. After serving as Board Vice Chair, Andrea officially began the term as Chair during yesterday's meeting. RNDC looks forward to Andrea's leadership as the Commission continues serving the region.

Please join RNDC in thanking Mike and Hunter for their dedicated service and congratulating Andrea on the new role as Board Chair.

The bus tour traveled to Mapleton to see the Maple River School and learn about RNDC Revolving Loan Fund client, Three Brothers Meat Market - Mapleton, MN. Mayor Jeff Annis also led a tour of the city.

Today has been a great mix of the history, the future, and current projects in Region Nine.

Thank you to all that attended!

The Region Nine Bus Tour is underway! The first stop was The Winnebago Area Museum for lunch. Attendees heard from Winnebago Mayor Jean Anderson and RNDC Board Chair Mike Laven. Tim Stoner from Blue Earth Light and Water also presented on energy solutions in the region.

On to Mapleton!

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday for the South Central Regional Housing Forum in Mankato. We appreciated the opportunity to bring together local leaders, housing professionals, community organizations, developers, lenders, and residents from across South Central Minnesota to discuss one of the region's most pressing challenges, housing.

Throughout the day, attendees explored regional housing data and affordability trends, heard community perspectives on housing needs and instability, learned about available technical assistance and funding opportunities, and participated in conversations about future housing priorities. Panels highlighted strategies for multifamily development, homeownership opportunities, and the importance of collaboration among communities, developers, lenders, and housing organizations to expand housing options across the region.

A special thank you to our partners who helped make this event possible, including Minnesota Housing, the Minnesota Housing Partnership, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, and the many speakers, panelists, moderators, and community partners who shared their expertise and experiences throughout the day.

Information about the event will be available on the Minnesota Housing website at www.mnhousing.gov/home/south-central-regional-housing-forum

RNDC Food Rescue Coordinator Tom Polich was interviewed by KEYC News Now to give an update about food recovery efforts in the region. Watch the full story here,

Region 9 food rescue coordinator finds new home for unwanted food For the past year and a half Tom Polich has had to tackle a new role with the Region 9 Development Commission as its first ever Food Rescue Coordinator serving 20 food shelves throughout its service area.

Funding is available for Minnesota producers looking to implement climate-friendly agricultural practices.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for Climate-Friendly Agricultural Practices (CFAP) incentive payments. Eligible farmers, producers, agricultural landowners, and agricultural LLCs can receive up to $10,000 to implement practices that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support sustainable agriculture.

Eligible practices include:
• Conservation cover
• Pasture and hay planting
• Conservation crop rotation
• Tree and shrub establishment

Approximately $1.2 million is available this year, with funding awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants participating in or working toward certification through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) may qualify for higher payment rates.

Previous applicants who were not awarded funding are encouraged to reapply, and past recipients may apply for additional funding for new practices or different acres.

Learn more and apply at https://www.mda.state.mn.us/climate-friendly-agricultural-practices-incentive-payments

RNDC staff took advantage of the beautiful weather during their lunch break by taking Mankato’s City Art Walking Sculpture Tour. Turns out, fresh air and public art make for a pretty great lunch combo.

Learn more about the tour at https://www.cityartmankato.com.

Funding opportunity for rural health care providers in our region!

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has released a Request for Proposal for the 2026 Workplace Safety Grants for Health Care Entities. These grants are available to support workplace safety improvements for eligible health care organizations.

Eligible applicants include:
• Long-term care facilities
• Critical access hospitals
• Rural acute care hospitals with 49 beds or fewer
• Medical clinics
• Dental clinics
• Community health clinics

Applications are due Friday, June 12, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. CT.

Learn more and apply at https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/ruralhealth/funding/grants/index.html

The deadline to register has been extended to May 29th!

There's still time to register for the South Central Regional Housing Forum. 📋🏘️🗣️

WHEN: Wednesday, June 10, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center, Mankato MN
DEADLINE: Friday, May 29 at noon. (Register here — it's free! https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/9qmw4qc)

This forum will equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to move your community's housing vision forward. Learn more on our website: https://mnhousing.gov/home/south-central-regional-housing-forum

Sponsored by us (Minnesota Housing), Region Nine Development Commission, and Greater Minnesota Housing Fund. Thank you to our partner, Minnesota Housing Partnership!