Greater MN Cities Awarded Grants for Economic Development

36 Greater Minnesota cities, townships, and counties will receive almost $24 million for economic development, including several in the Lakeland viewing area.

These funds are part of the Small Cities Development Program. The grants, administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, are being awarded to cities with a population of under 50,000 people and townships and counties with populations under 200,000.

The grants will be used for residential and commercial property rehabilitation, upgrading public facilities, and other economic development projects. Cities in the Lakeland viewing area that received funds include:

• City of Bagley, $345,000 – Owner-occupied housing rehab
• City of Baudette, $1,200,000 – Rental housing rehab and public facility improvements
• City of Big Falls, $170,430 – Rental housing rehab
• City of Brainerd, $575,000 – Owner-occupied housing rehab and rental housing rehab
• City of Deer Creek, $581,430 – Public facility improvements
• City of Erskine, $704,375 – Rental housing rehab and commercial rehab
• City of Fosston, $597,713 – Owner-occupied housing rehab
• City of Kelliher, $417,300 – Public Facility Improvements
• City of Pequot Lakes, $600,000 – Public facility improvements
• City of Randall, $600,000 – Public facility improvements
• City of Staples, $948,750 – Owner-occupied housing rehab, rental housing rehab and commercial rehab
• City of Waubun, $573,600 – Public facility improvements

The preliminary proposal deadline for next year’s program is Nov. 24, 2023.