The NWRDC

Programs  Funding Sources and Background   NWRDC 2006 Evaluation                 Equal Opportunity/Non-Discrimination/Fair Housing  CY 2007 Commission Members    

NWRDC's Organizational Structure

The Northwest Regional Development Commission (NWRDC) was created through the actions of local units of government in 1973. The Commission is a group of 35 representatives of Counties, Cities, Townships, School Districts and special interest groups which sets the general policy and direction of the agency. The Commission appoints a board of Directors made up of one member from each county and a Chairperson elected at large to conduct its monthly business.

The Commission also appoints advisory committees to help in setting specific program direction. Committees are active in Aging, Arts, Economic Development and Transportation. The Commission has also entered into a cooperative agreement with the Northwest Minnesota Enterprise Fund Inc. to provide program guidance on the revolving loan fund.

Programs

• Land of the Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging: Helping seniors to maintain an independent life style.
• Northwest Regional Arts Council: Support the development of art including theater, music, visual arts, literature and dance.
• Economic Development: Attract job growth and improve the quality of life.
• Enterprise Fund Business Loans: Provide capital to create, expand and retain business and industry.
• Community Development: To place special emphasis on locally defined issues which impact the economic and social well being of the area.  Including data and statistics, tourism (Tourism Directory) and web site development, GIS mapping, and land use planning.
• Transportation Planning: Plan and coordinate the construction and maintenance of a viable road, rail, air and trail system to support business, personal and recreational travel.
• Dancing Sky JOBZ Tax Free Zone:  Provide local and state tax incentives for job creation.

NWRDC's Funding Sources

The Commission is authorized to levy a limited amount of local property taxes and to enter into contracts with other units of government and private foundations to operate programs and services which benefit the area.

The NWRDC provides local match for each of the programs through the local tax levy.  

NWRDC's Background

The Northwest Regional Development Commission is a body of 21 local elected officials and 15 public interest members who have formed a special purpose unit of government, as authorized by the Regional Development Act of 1969, to "develop plans and implement programs which address growth and development issues" in Northwest Minnesota.

The Commission began operation on February 2, 1973.

2006 Evaluation and Assessment of the Northwest Regional Development Commission:  This evaluation was conducted in accordance with Regional Development Act of 1969.  This act requires that a self evaluation of each Regional Development Commission be completed every five years. 

Statement of Equal Opportunity, Nondiscrimination, and Fair Housing

The Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such, makes selections without regard to race, creed, sex, national origin, political or union affiliation, marital status, age, and disability or receipt of public assistance.  Staff positions with the Commission shall be open to all persons who meet reasonable standards as may be set by the Commission and relate to the ability of the candidate to perform with reasonable efficiency the duties of the position.  

The NWRDC prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents of legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability.

LINKS

NADO - National Association of Development Organizations provides training, information and representation for regional development organizations in small metropolitan and rural America.  The association is an advocate for communities, economic and rural development and provides a network for its members to share ideas and innovations.

Commission Members

** Chairman    * NWRDC Board Member

• About the NWRDC
• Area Agency on Aging
• Arts Council
• Economic Development
• Enterprise Fund
• Community Development
• Transportation
• JOBZ
• Hazard Mitigation
• Links
• Legislators
• New Items
• Meetings/Calendar

See the staff page to direct your questions to the correct person at the Northwest Regional Development Commission (NWRDC). 

NWRDC    115 South Main, Suite 1    Warren, MN  56762    218-745-6733

A Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Organization