top of page
shutterstock_2584641421-Desat.jpg
Planning the Future of Housing for 55+ Residents

Our team is currently supporting Advance Thief River in taking action to plan for the future needs of residents aged 55 and older.

 

With support from Age-Friendly MN and insight from the University of MN Extension & the NWRDC, a community-led initiative is being launched to create a Strategic Housing Plan that supports aging in place, diverse housing options and a strong local economy.

Community Development &
Economic Resiliency

The Community Development program assists Region 1 communities in discussing and developing solutions to rural issues and problems which are common in Northwest Minnesota.


The NWRDC assists local units of government with comprehensive planning, infrastructure needs, area promotion, housing, childcare, broadband, and other issues that contribute to strong quality of place.

Funding Partners
US Department of Commerce/EDA
USDA
State of Minnesota (DEED)
Statewide and Regional Foundations
Local Contracts
NWRDC Tax Levy


Services
•    Housing solutions based on community need
•    Childcare development
•    Broadband deployment
•    Collaboration with Regional Higher Education
•    Grant writing
•    Comprehensive Planning, Zoning & Mapping for Local Government
•    Disaster Mitigation and Recovery
•    Regional Planning & Project Development
•    Tourism Promotion & Directory
•    Arts & Culture promotion

 

The types of services available depend, to a high degree, on the types of services requested. Requests for services which are not listed will always be considered it staff have the background needed. In those cases where outside help is needed, assistance will be provided in locating and securing that help.

The focus is on specific community needs or region-wide efforts to promote the following:

James-WebsiteCrop.jpg

James Retka
Community Development
Director

 

james@nwrdc.org

P  |  (218) 745-9135

Sean-WebsiteCrop.jpg

Sean Ranum
Economic Development
Director

 

sean@nwrdc.org

P  |  (218) 745-9115

01

Access to affordable childcare to assist a need to grow the regions workforce

02

Affordable, market rate housing to fuel the need for expanding workforce for the regions employers

03

Develop the regions natural resource assests and promote tourism and other economic activity

04

Assist in the expansion of affordable, accessible broadband for all

05

Assist local entrepreneurs in establishing or expanding their business

06

Promote a strong workforce through partnerships with local educational providers

07

Collaborate with local Tribes to create opportunities for prosperity by expanding tribal assets and partnerships to enhance economic growth

Background
 

The Local Issues Program was created by the Commission in response to requests from local units of government and community groups for services which would help them in addressing local development problems or potentials. The Local Issues Program attempts to fill the special service needs of the area which are not met at the local, state or federal levels. Providing these services on a regional basis makes specialized skills available in a cost effective manner. Because our region consists of rural areas and small towns, the Commission has placed a high value on this type of service.

Past Issues
 

Issues addressed under the Local Issues Program sometimes separate programs if the issue has a high level of importance to local leaders and residents. The resources of the Local Issues Program are often used in conjunction with other programs of the NWRDC to move forward on these key subjects. Examples include Farm Wrap and Flood Recovery.

Links & Resources
 

DEPARTMENT OF
NATURAL RESOURCES

The MN Department of Natural Resources operates a wide variety of programs related to both state owned recreational facilities and wildlife management.

 

NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION SERVICE / USDA

The Natural Resource Conservation Service and Soil & Water Conservation District delivers conservation solutions so agricultural producers can protect natural resources and feed a growing world.

MINNESOTA
HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Minnesota Historical Society serves all the people of MN by creating powerful engagement with history to cultivate curiosity and foster a more inclusive, empathetic and informed society.

MINNESOTA HOUSING

Minnesota Housing is the state's housing finance agency. They finance housing that low- and moderate-income Minnesotans can afford while helping Minnesotans buy and fix up their homes.

IMG_2099-BW.jpg

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST

©2025 Northwest Regional Development Commission    |    Powered and secured by Wix

bottom of page