NOTICE OF 30-DAY PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (CEDS)
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Notice is hereby given that the draft 2027-2031 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) document is available for public review and comment. The CEDS is a federally required regional planning document that guides economic development, infrastructure investments, and workforce coordination across our local counties to ensure eligibility for U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding.
COMMENT PERIOD: The 30-day public comment period begins October 30, 2026 and concludes at 4:30 p.m. CST on November 30, 2026.
DOCUMENT AVAILABILITY: The complete draft CEDS document is accessible online via our regional planning agency website or can be viewed in person during regular business hours at our main administrative office:
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Online View: www.nwrdc.org
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In-Person Location: NWRDC Office at 109 S Minnesota Street, Warren, MN 56762
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS: Any person wishing to support, oppose, or suggest modifications to the draft CEDS document must submit their written feedback before the close of the comment window. Submissions must include the specific portion of the text being addressed, the reasoning for your comment, and any proposed changes. Comments can be delivered through the following methods:
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Email: sean@nwrdc.org
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U.S. Mail: Sean Ranum, NWRDC, 109 S Minnesota Street, Warren, MN 56762
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Questions: For more information or to request accommodations, please call 218-745-9134.
Economic Development
The Economic Development program is designed to maintain and increase the population level and job base in Northwest Minnesota by providing general planning guidance, technical assistance for specific industrial projects and services to local unites of government.
Funding Partners
U.S. Economic Development Administration
NWRDC Tax Levy
The program is guided by the input and direction of the Northwest Regional Enterprise Fund Planning Committee/Advisory Group. Each year, staff and committee members update the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategies (CEDS) for the region and establish the service priorities for the upcoming year.
NW MN Comprehensive Economic Strategy (CEDS)
5 SERVICE PRIORITIES:
01
Business Development
02
Labor Force Development
03
Energy
04
Promotion
05
Planning
In addition to these service priorities, the NWRDC targets specific projects in housing, childcare, infrastructure, agricultural value-added development, trail corridor/recreation development, legislative issues, technical assistance and several other areas.
They also complement the cornerstones for strong regions and communities as identified in DevelopMN, a statewide economic development strategy for better regional alignment, more effective rural policy and a stronger rural voice.
DevelopMN
4 CORNERSTONES:
01
Human Capital
02
Economic Competitiveness
03
Community Resources
04
Foundational Assets
Background
The seven counties of the Northwest region have been designated as the Economic Development District #1 of the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The Commission works cooperatively with a variety of local, state and federal agencies and private organizations to provide services to the region. These relationships have resulted in the Commission providing a point of contact where counties, communities and individuals can obtain information on all types of assistance available for economic development and direct professional services.
Links & Resources
DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Provides funding and technical assistance to businesses and communities.
DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (DEED)
REGIONAL PROFILES
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS (NADO)
Provides training, information and representation for regional development
organizations in small metropolitan and rural America.
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION TOURISM CENTER
Empowers, prepares and supports the tourism industry, and communities
engaging in tourism for success and sustainability.
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Provides technical support, loans and other types of assistance
to business and industry.
Provides services, loans, and grants to assist businesses and communities with a variety of needs.
The section of the USDA which provides funding for infrastructure, housing, business
expansions and other economic and community development activities.
LOCAL OFFICE:
Thief River Falls (218) 681-2843 x4
MN ASSOCIATION OF DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATIONS (MADO)
Comprised of ten Minnesota Regional Development Organizations (RDOs) whose
purpose is to promote and create economic prosperity in Greater Minnesota.
