We’ve jumped into summer with the 2026 legislative session behind us and lawmakers and candidates well into their campaigning—parades are in full swing and endorsing conventions have wrapped with primaries on the horizon.

GMNP Update - June 12, 2026
 
GMNP Update: A Newsletter for Members of the GMNP
 

GMNP UPDATE - JUNE 2026
 

Dear GMNP Members,

 

We’ve jumped into summer with the 2026 legislative session behind us and lawmakers and candidates well into their campaigning—parades are in full swing and endorsing conventions have wrapped with primaries on the horizon. That also means that it’s a great time to connect and start brainstorming about how and what GMNP should advocate for as Greater Minnesota priorities. I’m busy scheduling time with GMNP members to brainstorm and strategize—drop me a note if you’d have time to connect!  We’ll be sending out a survey to GMNP members after July 4th to collect your feedback and ideas.

 

Best, 

 

Darielle Dannen

Executive Director, Greater Minnesota Partnership
 

UPDATES
 

Do you have recent local projects, exciting programs, or other news to share with GMNP members? Send us a short snippet so we can include it in the next newsletter!
 

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Compeer Financial is hosting the Rooted & Rising: Rural Forum Rooted & Rising: Rural Forum

This forum will take place this September, which 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.

GMNP members are invited to join the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) for their 2026 Summer Conference in New Ulm on July 22-24! The annual event is an excellent opportunity to connect with city officials, learn from expert speakers, and experience the charming city of New Ulm.

Visit the CGMC website for more information and registration details.

 

CGMC 2026 Summer Conference

July 22-24, 2026

New Ulm Conference Center

2101 S Broadway Street
New Ulm, MN, 56073

A few highlights of this year’s event are:

  • A city hosted dinner inside the landmark August Schell's Brewery featuring a delicious traditional German-style meal followed by an opportunity to tour the brewery, try local brews, and listen to live music.
  • The option to participate in a parks and recreation tour that explores the city's iconic Hermann Monument and other outdoor amenities, or enjoy a guided walking tour of downtown New Ulm that highlights the city's rich German roots, historic architecture, and vibrant local culture.
  • Our annual Legislative Awards cocktail reception and dinner to honor the policymakers, elected officials, staff, and other leaders that have championed Greater Minnesota priorities.

Don't miss out, register today!

 

For questions about the Summer Conference or any other CGMC event, please reach out to Emma Nelson at ennelson@flaherty-hood.com.
 

MEMBER RESOURCES

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2026 Legislative Recap webinar! This virtual discussion provided an overview of the 2026 legislative session, a review of the outcomes for key GMNP priorities, and a preview what's coming next year. The meeting also featured a brief presentation by GMNP Executive Director Darielle Dannen, followed by a Q&A session.

 

Use the buttons below to review the presentation and associated materials.
 

FUNDING RESOURCES

Housing:  

 Economic Development – Available Now 

  • Redevelopment Grant and Demolition Loan Programs — The Brownfields and Redevelopment Unit is accepting grant applications through the Redevelopment Grant and Demolition Loan Programs. Applications are due August 3rd by 4pm.      

  • Small Cities Development Program — The Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) Unit is accepting Preliminary Proposals, the first stage in the grant application process, for eligible activities addressing community needs for owner-occupied housing rehabilitation, rental rehabilitation and/or commercial building rehabilitation or public facility improvements through SCDP under M.S. § 116J.401. Applications are due November 26th.      

MPCA Grants – Available Now

  • Statewide Environmental Assistance Grants — Grant funding to help Minnesota governments, businesses, institutions, and organizations to assist with waste reduction/reuse and toxic products prevention.
  • Small Business Environmental Improvement Loans — Loans of up to $75,000 at zero-percent interest to help small businesses purchase equipment to meet or exceed environmental regulations, or to investigate and clean up contaminated sites.

  • Clean Water Partnership Loans — Loans to help local units of government fund projects that protect and restore water quality in lakes, streams, and groundwater aquifers.   

  • Brownfield Investigation Grants — Publicly or privately owned sites are eligible for grants that can help fund initial work on brownfield sites.     

  • Environmental Assistance Loans — Provides financial assistance to accelerate the application and/or improvement of environmental processes and technologies. 
 

CONTACT & CONNECT

Darielle Dannen, Executive Director

darielle@gmnp.org

(651) 259-1908

 

Emma Nelson, Membership & Operations

emma@gmnp.org

(651) 259-1936

 

Alex Wildfang, Media & Communications

ahwildfang@flaherty-hood.com

(651) 259-1917

 

Visit us online at www.gmnp.org
 
 

The Greater Minnesota Partnership advocates for public policies and investments that stimulate prosperity throughout Greater Minnesota.

Copyright © 2026 Flaherty & Hood, P.A., All rights reserved.

Visit us online at gmnp.org

Our mailing address is:
Greater Minnesota Partnership
525 Park St., Suite 470
St. Paul, MN 55103

Contact: info@gmnp.org or 651-259-1908
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