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GMNP Update - October 2026 |
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GMNP UPDATE - October 2026 |
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Dear GMNP Members,
The most valuable thing about GMNP is our membership—and this fall has been full of opportunities to connect with members across the state. Thank you to everyone who has made time this month to meet and share more about the opportunities and concerns in your community. I’ve been able to meet with many of you individually, as well as join many of you at some regional convenings.
Members have been bringing leaders together across the state and sometimes across the Midwest to discuss ways they have been tackling some of the most persistent challenges. I was able to join members in Owatonna for the Rooted and Rising conference, in Marshall for a Town Hall about housing with Rural Voice, in Moorhead where the West Central Initiative Foundation hosted the Rural Democracy Summit, and with Greater Mankato Growth, which convened a discussion in Mankato with local businesses about attracting and retaining talent. These events have been valuable opportunities to hear from and highlight ways Greater Minnesota communities are innovating solutions to some of our most persistent challenges.
I also want to congratulate the six Greater Minnesota communities that were recently awarded funds through Minnesota Housing’s Workforce Housing Development Program (WHDP)! The next round of WHDP funding opens October 15th, and it will include the resources that GMNP members successfully advocated for last legislative session.
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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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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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 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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2027 Legislative Planning: A Conversation with the GMNP GMNP members are invited to join us for a special legislative planning session on Tuesday, November 10, from 12:00 - 1:30pm! During this event, we will brainstorm ideas for the 2027 legislative session and take your input and insights on some of the most pressing issues GMNP is working on—so bring your ideas to share! The meeting will feature a brief presentation from GMNP Executive Director Darielle Dannen followed by a Q&A session. From housing to child care, you won't want to miss this discussion!
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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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2026 GMNP Annual Membership Meeting oin the Greater Minnesota Partnership for our annual membership meeting at 12:00 p.m. on December 2 via Zoom! At the meeting, members will have the opportunity to hear an update on the Partnership, discuss the GMNP legislative agenda for the upcoming session, and approve the next GMNP Board of Directors and executive leadership. More agenda details to follow! Registration is required at the link below.
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FUNDING RESOURCES |
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Housing – Coming Soon
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. |