The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) Small Cities Development Program (SCDP), helps cities and counties with funding for housing, public infrastructure and commercial rehabilitation projects. For more information about SCDP, contact Bernice Robinson at bernice@umvrdc.org or 320-289-1981 ext. 103

The projects must meet one of the 3 federal objectives:
1. Benefit people of low and moderate incomes
2. Eliminate slum and blight conditions
3. Eliminate an urgent threat to the public health or safety

Examples:

Granite Falls SCDP

The City of Granite Falls was awarded a SCDP grant that will be available through September 2021. The UMVRDC authored the $625,888 grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) that will be utilized to rehabilitate 11 owner-occupied homes, seven rental single-family homes and six commercial business. These 24 improvement projects, totaling $891,501 will create work for contractors and result in safety, efficiency, and aesthetic improvements.

Commercial Rehabilitation Program

Clarkfield SCDP

The City of Clarkfield was awarded a SCDP grant that will be available through September 2021. The UMVRDC authored the $1,107,403 grant from DEED that will be utilized to rehabilitate 20 owner-occupied homes and five commercial business, along with a new water tower as part of a large project that will address their ongoing infrastructure needs. These projects total over $24 million and will also address drinking water system, sanitary sewer and storm water system.

Benson SCDP

The City of Benson was awarded $638,250 in SCDP grant funds in June 2017. The UMVRDC authored grant will rehabilitate 20 owner-occupied homes and six commercial properties by September 2020. The UMVRDC staff will continue to work with the City of Benson and Swift County HRA to administer the program.

Commercial Survey
Homeowner Survey

Montevideo SCDP

The City of Montevideo is working with the UMVRDC to apply for a SCDP grant through MN DEED. Eligible homeowners could receive up to $25,000 per home for projects such as roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters, insulation, heating and electrical upgrades, plumbing, foundations, energy-efficiency improvements, safety and accessibility improvements, lead testing and removal, and building code violations. Eligible downtown commercial property owners could receive up to $40,000 for similar improvements. The City is seeking feedback from residents to demonstrate interest in the program, and property owners who complete the Interest Survey by October 28, 2026 will receive priority status to access funds if the grant is awarded. To complete the survey, visit the SCDP Interest Survey page. Paper surveys are also available at Montevideo City Hall, the library, the Chamber, or the UMVRDC office in Appleton.

Commercial Survey [PDF, 186.37 KB]
Homeowner Survey [PDF, 303.10 KB]

Appleton SCDP

The Swift County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Prairie Five Community Action, and the UMVRDC wrapped up administration of the City of Appleton’s SCDP grant in December 2017. Over $766,000 was invested into the rehabilitation of 20 owner occupied homes and six commercial buildings.

Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley SCDP

The communities of Clinton, Graceville, and Beardsley are continuing to use their joint SCDP grant authored by the UMVRDC. The communities have until September 2019 to use the $637,500 in SCDP grant funds and aim to rehab 26 owner-occupied homes and six commercial businesses. Prairie Five Community Action and UMVRDC staff are providing the communities with the field and general administration of this project.

Milan SCDP

The cities of Milan, Maynard and Watson, in partnership with the UMVRDC, are exploring an application for a SCDP grant through the MN DEED. Eligible homeowners could receive up to $25,000 per home for projects such as roofing, siding, windows, doors, gutters, insulation, heating and electrical upgrades, plumbing, foundations, energy-efficiency improvements, safety and accessibility improvements, lead testing and removal, and building code violations. Eligible downtown commercial property owners could receive up to $40,000 for similar improvements. Community feedback is needed to demonstrate interest in the program, and property owners who complete the Interest Survey will receive priority status to access funds if the grant is awarded to the city.