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GMNP Update - September 2026 |
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GMNP UPDATE - September 2026 |
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Dear GMNP Members,
Now that the summer is fading into fall, I’ve been prioritizing meeting with members across the state to discuss the latest economic development opportunities and challenges in your region, along with suggestions and ideas for our work looking toward 2027.
In our member discussions, members have flagged data centers and rural healthcare as two additional items that they are thinking about in the realm of Greater Minnesota economic development. If you’ve got additional insights, I’d appreciate the opportunity to connect as we start planning for the 2027 legislative session — feel free to reach out so we can find time to connect.
We also conducted a GMNP member survey this summer to get member feedback. Thank you to everyone who completed the survey. I wanted to share some key survey responses:
Top responses to questions about issues that inhibit economic growth
Top responses to question about areas most important to your organization/community
Your insights shape the work of GMNP, and I am grateful for the time that GMNP members continue to take to help us determine the organization’s legislative priorities. Reach out if we haven’t had an opportunity to connect — I'd love to hear from you.
Best,
Darielle Dannen Executive Director, Greater Minnesota Partnership |
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MEMBER STORIES |
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Do you have recent local projects or programs that you would like to share with other members? Send us a short story so that we can include it in the next newsletter! |
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EVENTS & ACTIVITIES |
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Compeer Financial is hosting the Rooted & Rising: Rural Forum This forum will take place September 14-16 in Owatonna and will convene leaders from across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. This in-person event will dive deeper into rural infrastructure, business needs, and community vitality. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with others who are equally passionate about supporting rural communities. For more details and to register, click here. |
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Contaminated Cleanup & Investigation Grant Programs Info Sessions Hosted by DEED, these sessions are scheduled for this fall, including September 17th in Chisholm. More details can be found on DEED’s Resources and Workshops webpage. |
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Economic Development Association of Minnesota (EDAM): The Basic Economic Development Course This course will be hosted by the Minnesota Economic Development Foundation from September 21 – 25 in Duluth. The target audience is people engaged in economic development in Minnesota, and this certainly includes city government staff from smaller communities who wear multiple hats, including rural city clerks, city administrators, EDA directors, elected officials, etc. There are a limited number of $500 scholarships available for those who need financial assistance and are available to Minnesota-based students who work for public or non-profit organizations. |
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Minnesota Housing is developing the Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP) for 2029 – 2030, which determines the Agency’s funding priorities for federal resources and there are a number of events upcoming to learn more and provide feedback. Virtual Information Session – September 29 @ 1 – 2pm; Virtual Engagement Session – October 26 @ 10:30 – noon. |
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Join a town hall conversation with Rural Voice in Marshall moderated by MPR’s Kerri Miller on October 6 from 5 – 8:30pm to discuss the topic of housing in rural Minnesota. |
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The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) will host Brownfields and Beyond: 2026 Minnesota Redevelopment Conference Thursday and Friday, October 22 and 23, 2026, at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minnesota. |
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Join us for the Foundations of the Future Conference: Child Care is Economic Development Registration is now open for First Children’s Finance (FCF) 2026 Foundations of the Future Conference from October 20-21 in Willmar! Child care is more than a family issue, it is a workforce and economic development issue that affects businesses, communities, and Minnesota's ability to grow. Join economic development professionals, community leaders, and partners from across Minnesota for two days of conversation, collaboration, and practical ideas for addressing child care as a critical part of community and economic development. If you are working to tackle child care challenges in your community, this event is for you! Click here to register. For more information and event updates, visit the event page on FCF's website. |
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Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) 2026 Fall Conference GMNP members are invited to join the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) for their annual Fall Conference on November 12-13, 2026, in Waite Park! This annual event is an excellent opportunity to connect with city officials and staff from throughout Greater Minnesota and learn from expert speakers.
Visit the CGMC website for more information and registration details. |
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FUNDING RESOURCES |
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Housing – Available Now
Economic Development – Available Now
MPCA Grants – Available Now
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CONTACT & CONNECT |
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Darielle Dannen, Executive Director (651) 259-1908
Emma Nelson, Membership & Operations (651) 259-1936
Emma Cliff, Membership & Operations (651) 259-1929
Alex Wildfang, Media & Communications (651) 259-1917
Visit us online at www.gmnp.org |
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The Greater Minnesota Partnership advocates for public policies and investments that stimulate prosperity throughout Greater Minnesota. |
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Copyright © 2026 Flaherty & Hood, P.A., All rights reserved. |