City of Appleton Receives Small Cities Development Program Funding
UMVRDC staff prepared a Small Cities Development Program grant application on behalf of the City of Appleton, which was successfully awarded. The City of Appleton received funding to rehabilitate 42 multi-family rental housing units, as well as for a public facilities project that includes stormwater conveyance improvements and associated street work. The total SCDP award is $1.2 million, and with additional funding sources, the overall project cost is $2,003,000.
UMVRDC will serve as the general administrator for the grant. The Swift County Housing and Redevelopment Authority will provide field administration for the housing rehabilitation component, while Bollig Engineering, in coordination with USDA Rural Development, will oversee the stormwater improvements.
UMVRDC Begins Update of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
UMVRDC has begun the update of its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The CEDS serves as the region’s five-year economic development plan, guiding locally driven strategies that support economic growth, foster collaboration, and improve quality of life across the Region.
As a federally designated Economic Development District, UMVRDC is required to update the CEDS every five years. A 13-member steering committee has been assembled to guide the process and provide regional input. Committee members represent key economic interests, including the private sector, local and state government, workforce development, higher education, labor, and community leadership.
The CEDS kick-off meeting was held on December 11 in Appleton. The meeting featured a regional data and trends presentation by Luke Greiner, Minnesota DEED Labor Market Analyst, highlighting labor force trends, employment projections, wages, and insights into what today’s high school students are seeking in post-secondary education and careers. The steering committee then conducted a SWOT analysis to identify regional strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. These results will be prioritized and shared publicly for additional feedback.
The steering committee will meet two to three more times over the next year and will continue to seek input from residents, local units of government, and regional organizations. Additional opportunities for public engagement will be shared in the coming months.
Lac qui Parle County Park Receives Additional Grant Funding
UMVRDC assisted Lac qui Parle County in securing funding for planned improvements at Lac qui Parle County Park. In 2023, the County received $595,370 from the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC), along with a $150,563 local match, to construct a bridge over the Lac qui Parle River, develop a parking lot, add trails, and install signage.
During the design phase, it was determined that the bridge would need to span a greater distance to avoid designated floodway areas identified by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, significantly increasing project costs.
UMVRDC supported the County in applying for additional GMRPTC funding, resulting in a supplemental award of $368,202. With this award, the project has now secured a total of $963,572 in grant funding.
Lac qui Parle County Park was designated a regional park in 2018. UMVRDC has assisted the County throughout the master planning process, funding applications, and environmental review requirements.
Meander Art Crawl Continues to Strengthen the Regional Economy
Now in its 22nd year, the Meander Art Crawl continues to draw visitors from across the region and beyond to experience the work of 42 local artists. UMVRDC serves as the fiscal agent for the Meander, which provides the public with an opportunity to visit artists’ studios located throughout the small towns and rural landscapes of the Upper Minnesota River Valley.
The annual event has delivered significant economic benefits to the region by supporting local artists, businesses, and tourism. More information on the 2025 economic impact of the Meander Art Crawl is available at artsmeander.com.
Launching a New Regional PACE Program
UMVRDC is planning to launch a new regional Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Lending Program, made possible through funding from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The program will expand access to affordable, long-term financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, helping property owners reduce energy costs while investing in sustainable improvements.
PACE financing allows commercial and multifamily property owners to complete eligible energy improvements with no upfront costs. Project costs are repaid through a special assessment on the property tax bill. Because energy savings are designed to exceed loan payments, property owners can experience immediate net savings.
Currently, all five counties in the UMVRDC region participate in PACE through Joint Powers Agreements with the St. Paul Port Authority. While that program has been highly successful statewide, UMVRDC’s regional PACE program will provide a stronger local presence, increased outreach, and support for smaller projects.
Under the proposed program, UMVRDC would market the program locally, underwrite and service smaller PACE loans, and refer larger or more complex projects to the St. Paul Port Authority.
Eligible applicants include businesses, farms, cooperatives, nonprofit organizations (including churches), and multifamily residential buildings with more than four units. Eligible projects include HVAC upgrades, lighting, insulation, building envelope improvements, energy management systems, and renewable energy installations such as solar, wind, and geothermal.
The program requires mortgage lender consent and limits financing to 30 percent of a property’s assessed or appraised value. PACE loans are tax-neutral for counties and cities and support local job creation through the use of licensed contractors.
Solar Projects Approved for Public Buildings
UMVRDC recently assisted local governments in submitting nine applications to the Minnesota Department of Commerce Solar on Public Buildings Program. All nine projects were selected for funding and are currently working with solar developers, with installations planned for summer 2026.
The program covers 70 percent of project costs, with the remaining 30 percent funded through a federal rebate after installation. These projects are expected to significantly reduce—or fully offset—electric energy costs at participating facilities, with systems designed to provide savings for 20 to 30 years.
Projects approved for funding include:
- Appleton Area Health Care Center ($95,728)
- Appleton Area Health – Apple Ridge ($88,054)
- Appleton Wastewater Treatment Plant ($83,359)
- Big Stone County Beardsley Highway Shop ($57,603)
- Big Stone County Ortonville Highway Shop ($93,710)
- Dawson Sewer Treatment Plant ($109,765)
- Graceville Community Center ($94,301)
- Graceville – Grace Village ($83,741)
- Lac qui Parle County Government Center ($93,837)
More about the program can be found here: https://mn.gov/commerce/energy/consumer/energy-programs/solar-public-buildings.jsp
UMVRDC Service Recognition
Bernice Robinson, Grant Management Specialist, recently celebrated her five-year anniversary with UMVRDC. Bernice plays a key role in managing the Small Cities Development Program and provides exceptional support to communities across the region.
Outside of work, Bernice enjoys walking her dog, kayaking, gardening, and spending time with her grandsons. We are grateful for her dedication and contributions to UMVRDC.
For questions or assistance, please contact any member of our professional staff. UMVRDC is always ready to serve our region.
