Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission

Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission Serving the counties of Big Stone, Swift, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, and Yellow Medicine.

13 regional development commissions were created by the Mn RDC Act for the following purpose “to insure the orderly and harmonious coordination of state, federal and local comprehensive planning and development programs for the solution of economic, social, physical and governmental problems of the state and its citizens by providing for the creation of regional development commissions.”

💡 Looking to make energy-efficient upgrades to your business or property?The UMVRDC Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE...
05/22/2026

💡 Looking to make energy-efficient upgrades to your business or property?

The UMVRDC Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Revolving Loan Fund offers financing to help cover the cost of energy improvements—paid back conveniently through your property taxes.

✔ Available in Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Swift, and Yellow Medicine Counties
✔ Minimum funding starts at $5,000
✔ Covers projects like HVAC, lighting, solar, windows, insulation, EV chargers, and more
✔ Open to commercial, industrial, agricultural, nonprofit, and multifamily (5+ units) properties

With PACE, you can invest in upgrades that reduce energy costs and improve efficiency—while spreading payments over time.

📊 An energy audit is required to get started, and funding can even help cover that cost.

Interested in learning more? The Clean Energy Resource Team is ready to help guide you through the process!

👉 Reach out today to see if your project qualifies!
https://umvrdc.org/clean-energy-revolving-loan-fund-pace/ See less

As the UMVRDC continues to stride toward strengthening workforce recruitment and regional economic vitality, we would li...
05/21/2026

As the UMVRDC continues to stride toward strengthening workforce recruitment and regional economic vitality, we would like to share an exciting upcoming opportunity for Southwest Minnesota - RALLY YOUR REGION!

Educators, employers, economic developers, and community leaders are invited to join regional partners, the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), and nationally recognized workforce expert Mark C. Perna for an inspiring event focused on:

📍 Marshall, MN
📅 September 29, 2026
⏰ Half-day experience
📝 Registration opening soon!

Topics include:
• The changing landscape of education & workforce development
• Connecting with the “Why” Generation
• Skills & awareness gaps
• Employment with passion
• Creating a regional call to action
• Building stronger partnerships for economic prosperity

Hosted by Southwest Initiative Foundation in partnership with SWWC and LYFT Career Pathways.

https://swifoundation.org/rally/

Inspiring Our Future Workforce✨One of the key priorities identified in our regional survey was the need to better expose...
05/13/2026

Inspiring Our Future Workforce✨

One of the key priorities identified in our regional survey was the need to better expose youth to local career opportunities. With that goal in mind, we recently implemented a targeted marketing effort to help address this priority.

Four billboards and radio ads were placed throughout the region this Spring. The campaign was designed to reach high school upperclassmen—especially seniors—as well as their parents and grandparents. The message was simple but meaningful: go explore, grow, and pursue your dreams, but remember there are opportunities waiting for you here when you’re ready. This campaign aimed to plant a seed. Whether students choose college, technical training, military service, or enter the workforce right away, the messaging reinforces that our region remains a place where they can build a career, reconnect with community, and enjoy a high quality of life.

Join us Wednesday, May 13 at 12 PM for the third webinar in our Infrastructure Planning & Funding series!This session wi...
05/11/2026

Join us Wednesday, May 13 at 12 PM for the third webinar in our Infrastructure Planning & Funding series!

This session will focus on funding water, sewer, and infrastructure projects tied to economic development — including housing developments and industrial park expansions.

This webinar will feature:
➡️Rebecca Kurtz & Keith Dahl, Senior Municipal Advisors, Ehlers Public Finance Advisors covering funding options for new development and/or expansions
➡️Jeremy LaCroix, State Program Administrative Coordinator, MN DEED presenting information about the Greater MN Public Infrastructure Grant Program and the TEDI (Transportation Economic Development Infrastructure) Program

👉 Register today to receive the Teams link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdp8Dn8iCZyEPt5A-2Ry8fzA__7J8lakM2fU-52bKmQFx4e1w/viewform

The Southwest Initiative Foundation is hosting Focus Forward: Nonprofit Office Days—a dedicated space for nonprofit prof...
04/27/2026

The Southwest Initiative Foundation is hosting Focus Forward: Nonprofit Office Days—a dedicated space for nonprofit professionals to step away from daily distractions and make real progress on the projects that matter most.

Upcoming sessions:
• Windom – May 12
• Granite Falls – May 13

🔗 Learn more & register: https://swifoundation.org/focusforward/

Great connecting with local students and showcasing the opportunities right here in our region—careers, community develo...
04/24/2026

Great connecting with local students and showcasing the opportunities right here in our region—careers, community development, and futures built close to home.

🚰 Planning for Water & Sewer Infrastructure in Your CommunityAccording to our Annual Survey, water and sewer infrastruct...
04/20/2026

🚰 Planning for Water & Sewer Infrastructure in Your Community

According to our Annual Survey, water and sewer infrastructure planning and funding is consistently a top concern for communities in our region. Aging systems often need repairs or replacement, and these projects can be costly—but careful planning and knowing available funding resources can help ease the financial burden for you and your residents. In response to this issue, the UMVRDC is holding a series of four webinars covering capital improvement planning and project budgeting, internal funding options and external funding sources (state/federal agencies) to help you plan for and fund infrastructure projects.

📅Webinar #2: Thursday, April 23 at 12 pm

Featuring Rebecca Kurtz & Keith Dahl, Senior Municipal Advisors, Ehlers Public Finance Advisors who will be covering local infrastructure funding tools such as TIF, bonding, and assessments.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfn_3GN452ix-lJubnuXyeY4fsFXlhs2eQqx5u5ABXNbIv1Eg/viewform

💡 Looking to make energy-efficient upgrades to your business or property?The UMVRDC Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE...
04/10/2026

💡 Looking to make energy-efficient upgrades to your business or property?

The UMVRDC Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Revolving Loan Fund offers financing to help cover the cost of energy improvements—paid back conveniently through your property taxes.

✔ Available in Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, Swift, and Yellow Medicine Counties
✔ Minimum funding starts at $5,000
✔ Covers projects like HVAC, lighting, solar, windows, insulation, EV chargers, and more
✔ Open to commercial, industrial, agricultural, nonprofit, and multifamily (5+ units) properties

With PACE, you can invest in upgrades that reduce energy costs and improve efficiency—while spreading payments over time.

📊 An energy audit is required to get started, and funding can even help cover that cost.

Interested in learning more? The Clean Energy Resource Team is ready to help guide you through the process!

👉 Reach out today to see if your project qualifies!
https://umvrdc.org/clean-energy-revolving-loan-fund-pace/

💡We’re excited to share that ALL 9 of our Solar on Public Buildings grant applications were successfully funded — bringi...
03/26/2026

💡We’re excited to share that ALL 9 of our Solar on Public Buildings grant applications were successfully funded — bringing clean, cost-saving energy projects to communities across our region.

📍Projects are now moving forward in: Big Stone County, City of Graceville, City of Appleton, City of Dawson, Lac qui Parle County

What this means:
Lower energy costs for public facilities
Long-term savings for taxpayers
Increased energy independence
A step forward in sustainability for our communities

💰Total Investment: Over $825,000 in solar infrastructure across the region!

We want to hear from you!As you may know, the UMVRDC updates its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy or CEDS eve...
03/16/2026

We want to hear from you!
As you may know, the UMVRDC updates its Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy or CEDS every five years. The CEDS is our region’s economic development plan that contributes to and shapes the economic vision for the region by identifying locally-grown strategies that guides regional economic development, encourages partnerships and collaboration, and improves economic outcomes and overall quality of life in our region.

As we kick off our five-year update, we want to hear from you – the residents, businesses, organizations, elected officials, and our partners. We want to understand how you feel about different aspects of our region to help us identify and reaffirm areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. Please take a moment to fill out our survey HERE—it only takes a few minutes. Your feedback will help us shape goals and actions for our region over the next five years. There are no right or wrong answers, just your honest opinion.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/75XPRBJ

Address

323 W Schlieman Avenue
Appleton, MN
56208

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+13202891981

Website

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