Meander Art Crawl
The 22nd annual Meander Art Crawl will take place on October 3, 4 & 5! Meander through the beautiful fall colors of the Upper Minnesota River Valley visiting 32 studios featuring 42 local artists. Browse and shop one-of-a-kind pieces of pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, woodwork, mixed media, and so much more!
The UMVRDC continues to provide technical and financial management for the Meander since its inception and is pleased to see continued growth and support for the event.
Meander Website
Housing Case Studies
The UMVRDC continues to hear that housing is a critical issue in the region. In some cases, there isn’t the right mix of housing choices available or the cost to develop new housing infrastructure is too high or maybe there is a lack of understanding of the housing tools and resources available to support housing development. This past summer, the UMVRDC created several housing case studies with a goal of sharing stories of housing development across our region to inspire, inform and give hope to communities who may be stuck or wondering where to start. We selected a variety of housing projects and topics to share and outline the details of who, what, when, why, and how of projects across our region. We would like to thank Southwest Initiative Foundation for supporting this work!
View Case Studies
UMVRDC Supports Solar Energy Projects on Public Buildings
The UMVRDC is helping communities apply for the Solar on Public Buildings Grant Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. This program funds solar energy systems on public buildings, covering either a 40 kW array or up to 120% of a building’s energy usage—whichever is less.
To help our communities take advantage of this opportunity, we reached out to all of our member cities and counties and met with many to explain the program and what’s involved. The grant covers 70% of the cost through state funding, with the remaining 30% offset using federal rebates that are currently available.
This grant is operating on a first-come, first-serve basis, which is fairly uncommon. That means the process is moving a little differently than usual and makes timing very important. We’re working closely with communities to make sure applications and proposals are submitted as quickly as possible so each community has the best shot at being competitive and awarded the grant.
We’re currently working with Big Stone County, Lac qui Parle County, and the cities of Appleton, Clinton, Dawson, and Graceville to put one or more solar arrays in their communities. So far, we’ve helped each community get Requests for Proposals (RFPs) ready and sent out to solar developers. We’ve also attended pre-bid conferences, answered questions, and shown developers the locations for the proposed arrays.
Once a solar developer is selected, we’ll use the information they provide to finish the state grant applications. The goal is simple: these solar arrays will cut energy bills for the participating public buildings—and in some cases, completely eliminate electricity costs for the community.
We’re very excited to be part of these projects and to help them move forward. This program is a fantastic opportunity for communities to lower their overhead costs while also making an energy-conscious decision that will continue to pay dividends for many years to come.
New Finance Tool for Clean Energy Project Soon Available
The UMVRDC is in the final stages of securing a contract with the Minnesota Department of Commerce to develop and administer a Property Assessed Clean Energy Program ( PACE). PACE financing enables commercial property owners to invest in energy-saving projects with no upfront costs. Payments are added as a special assessment on property taxes, with utility savings exceeding loan payments.
Who Can Apply?
- Businesses, farms, and cooperatives
- Nonprofit organizations, including churches
- Multifamily residential buildings with more than four units
What kind of project is eligible?
- HVAC system upgrades
- High-efficiency lighting
- Boilers, furnaces, and chillers
- Building envelope improvements (e.g., insulation, windows)
- Roof replacement
- Energy management systems
- Refrigeration upgrades
- Solar panels
- Wind turbines
- Geothermal systems
Why PACE?
- No upfront capital required from property owners
- Utility savings exceed the cost of loan payments
- Loan payments made through property taxes—first payment due May of the following year
- Since the SPPA started, they have lent over $63 million with $141,000 in defaults. Also, SRDC has lent almost $1.2 million with no defaults.
- No financial liability for counties or cities (tax-neutral)
- Supports local jobs—installations must be done by licensed contractors
- Can be combined with federal and state rebates or incentives
- Competitive, below-market interest rates
Stay tuned for our official launch over the next few months!
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Funding Available
Grants for up to $20,000 (no match required) are available for local units of government to conduct energy planning and project development for projects which will result in energy reduction and improved energy efficiency.
The UMVRDC was awarded an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) from the Minnesota Department of Commerce to support energy efficiency and climate and energy planning activities to reduce energy use and improve energy efficiency by awarding sub-grants to local units of government (cities, counties, schools) in our region. The funding can be used for a variety of energy planning and project development uses such as:
- Climate and resiliency planning grants
- The UMVRDC is available to lead you through a customized process to explore ideas and develop strategies for implementation.
- Energy audits on government buildings
- The UMVRDC is available to help facilitate a comprehensive audit process with an energy auditor.
- Engineering and technical assistance services – feasibility studies, engineering assessments, etc.
- Other energy-related studies for public buildings and community plans
Please note that these funds cannot be used for equipment installation or construction.
This funding was made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Commerce and is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG).
If interested, please contact Kevin at the UMVRDC at 320-289-1981 x 111 or kevin@umvrdc.org.
Transportation Alternatives Program & Other Funding Opportunities
The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) provides funding for projects that promote multimodal transportation. Eligible activities include trail and pedestrian/bicycle facilities, Safe Routes to School projects, infrastructure that improves access to public transportation, and community improvement activities related to transportation. The Letter of Intent is due in October, with the full application due in January. TAP funds can cover up to 80% of eligible construction costs (engineering is not included), and typical projects start around $200,000. Projects funded in this round would support construction in 2029–2030. It is important for communities to start planning early given the engineering and pre-work involved in the application.
Alongside TAP, the Active Transportation (AT) Program offers another opportunity to expand walking, biking, and other non-motorized transportation options. AT funds are often directed toward things such as trail networks, sidewalk systems, and safe crossings near schools or key destinations. Unlike TAP, AT does not require a local match, but similar to TAP, the community is responsible for engineering costs. These projects typically start at $50,000.
The Carbon Reduction Program (CRP) can also provide funding to things like bike and pedestrian infrastructure, since they help reduce transportation-related carbon emissions. Eligible projects may include trail and pedestrian/bicycle facilities, public transit improvements, electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, and the purchase of electric vehicles. CRP requires a 20% local match, and engineering costs are typically covered.
The PROTECT Program—Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation—supports projects that strengthen infrastructure resilience against flooding, storms, extreme heat, and other climate impacts. Funding can cover a wide range of improvements, such as elevating or reinforcing roadways, stabilizing slopes, replacing or upsizing culverts and drainage systems, installing protective barriers, and using materials that extend the life of infrastructure under harsher conditions. Multimodal elements like bike or pedestrian facilities can also be incorporated when designed with resilience in mind, creating opportunities to improve safety and access while also protecting critical assets.
If interested in learning more about these funding opportunities, please contact Savannah at the UMVRDC at 320-289-1981 x 113 or savannah@umvrdc.org.
Exciting Opportunity: Funding Still Available for Business Start-Ups and Expansions!
We’re thrilled to share that five new business loans have recently been funded right here in our region, fueling innovation, growth, and job creation. Even better, $1 million in funding is still available through the UMVRDC Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)!
What is the RLF? It’s a powerful tool for local businesses. As loans are repaid, the funds are re-invested into the region—creating a cycle of opportunity and success. Since 1988, the UMVRDC has issued 167 loans totaling over $11 million, helping entrepreneurs and business owners bring their visions to life.
Whether you’re launching a new venture or expanding an existing one, our gap financing can bridge the divide between your dreams and the resources to achieve them.
If you or someone you know is considering a business start-up or expansion in the five-county area of Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Swift, or Yellow Medicine, now is the time to act!
Why Choose the UMVRDC Revolving Loan Fund?
- Affordable capital tailored for rural business needs
- Flexible financing that works in partnership with local lenders
- Focused on growth, especially for manufacturing and industrial businesses
- Job creation and retention are central to our mission
Let us help turn your business idea into a reality. Contact Dalen at the UMVRDC at 320-289-1981 x 102 or dalen@umvrdc.org to learn more.
New UMVRDC Board Chair
The UMVRDC would like to announce Jim Schmaedeka as our new Chairman of the board effective July 1st. Jim has been on the UMVRDC board since March 2011 representing Chippewa County Townships. With his 14 years of experience and the knowledge he has of the agency’s work, we know he will do a great job of guiding the region toward continued success.
We would also like to thank our outgoing Chairman, Ben Bothun, for his service and leadership over the past four years. He will remain on our board representing Lac qui Parle County.
New UMVRDC Board Member
We are happy to introduce Cherie Stielow. Cherie is a city council member for the city of Benson and represents Swift County Municipalities.
Cherie is involved in her community by serving other organizations such as the Benson Utilities Commissioner, the Benson and Kerkhoven Farmers Market, and the Ortonville Moose Lodge #407. She has also been involved with 4H, homeschooling groups, and Benson Women of Today.
Cherie works for her family’s home-based metalwork/online sales business and at the Benson Public Library. She is also an MN cottage food producer and manages the Benson Farmers Market. She also works as a Customer Service Professional at H&R Block. She and her husband have lived in Benson for 20 years and have a 15-year-old son. During her spare-time, she enjoys preserving, crafting, and baking.
When asked why she likes serving as an elected official, she said, “I am passionate about local sustainability and want to contribute positively to our community for a brighter future.”
Mark Your Calendars
September 23: UMVRDC Monthly Meeting
Appleton Civic Center || 6:30 p.m.
October 28: UMVRDC Monthly Meeting
Appleton Civic Center || 6:30 p.m.
November 11: UMVRDC Office closed for Veterans Day Holiday
November 25: UMVRDC Monthly Meeting
Appleton Civic Center || 6:30 p.m.
November 27-28: UMVRDC Office closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
