Creating a Thriving and More Resilient Region
SRDC collaborates and partners with organizations across the region and state on initiatives and projects that help enhance opportunities or address needs for Southwest Minnesota.
Our staff and Commissioners sit on multiple workgroups and committees and assist with multiple initiatives important to regional development and the development of Greater Minnesota. While these projects are not led by SRDC, the project aligns with SRDC’s mission and vision for a thriving and more resilient region. We believe that through shared knowledge and resources we can help make an impact on local needs and help prepare the region for a future where people and businesses thrive.
Current Initiatives and Collaborations
Advising the structure and prioritization of MnDOT’s Active Transportation Program, which provides grants to make walking, biking, and rolling better.
Connecting individuals and communities in Minnesota to the resources they need to identify and implement community-based clean energy projects. SRDC staffs the Southwest Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) Coordinator.
Collaborating to market and promote tourism and recruitment efforts in Southwest Minnesota. SRDC provides staffing and coordination services for Explore Southwest Minnesota.
Advocating for community access to and the development of a quality, connected state trail in Southwest Minnesota. SRDC provides staffing and outreach services for Friends of the Casey Jones State Trail.
The Greater MN Partnership advocates for public policies and investments that stimulate prosperity throughout Greater Minnesota.
Connecting interested cities to the GreenStep Cities program and assisting current members with reaching their sustainability and quality-of-life goals focused on cost savings and energy use reduction, and encouraging innovation.
The Launch Your Future Today Advisory Committee rebuilding career and technical education pathways in Southwest and West Central Minnesota.
Collaboratively helping businesses and entrepreneurs in Southwest Minnesota receive financing packages to increase or sustain jobs.
Minnesota Association of Development Organizations (MADO) promotes and creates economic prosperity in Greater Minnesota.
The Minnesota Marketing Partnership partnership is made up of state, regional and local economic development organizations, utilities, and other partners who come together to promote Minnesota through one coordinated brand and point of contact for site selectors, corporate real estate professionals and others interested in starting or expanding their business in the state.
Provides a common base of community development language and skills to use amongst the rural development industry in Minnesota.
Collaborating to provide facility assessments and community sustainability assistance to small businesses, institutions, and communities.
The Minnesota Rural Broadband Coalition is collaborating to ensure that everyone in Minnesota will be able to use convenient, affordable world-class broadband networks that enable us to survive and thrive in our communities and across the globe.
Collaborate for greater public involvement in preparing transportation plans and programs.
Helps review, score and rank Transportation Alternatives Program application from all of MnDOT District 8.
Collaborate and provide input on ways that future MnDOT investments could enhance and improve not only the state economy but the employment efforts as well.
National Association of Development Organizations, (NADO) promotes regional strategies, partnerships, and solutions to strengthen the economic competitiveness and quality of life across America’s local communities.
The North Central USDA Regional Food Business Center focuses on expanding small and mid-sized agricultural value chains in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Strengthening regional economies and workforce ecosystems by ensuring the inclusion of all members of the community.
This 18-county joint powers board collaborates to share energy-related information, including policy, planning, management and implementation methods to deal with energy and transmission in rural Minnesota. SRDC provides staffing and coordination of the board.
Collaborating with state-wide partners to shape the priorities and focus of SRTS in Minnesota.
The Small Business Development Center promotes developing the entrepreneurial mindset through experiential learning and community outreach with a goal to enhance the economic viability of the 18-county area of the MN Southwest Region.
Collaborative effort of agencies across the state to work on ways that MnDOT can incorporate equity into their policy/investment plans.
Raising awareness and strengthening shared messages around the importance of ensuring that all residents in our communities can seize the abundant opportunities available in Southwest Minnesota.
Works in partnership to ensure youth have access to the services they need to become self-sufficient and successful.
The 12-county JPA works on solid waste and recycling issue to protect the regions environment while providing a necessary public service. SRDC provides staffing and coordination of the Commission.
The University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships (RSDP) support sustainable development throughout Greater Minnesota. Southwest RSDP is one of five regional partnerships across the state that connect local communities and citizens with resources from the University of Minnesota. The Resilient Communities and Clean Energy Workgroups empower and support communities in developing and enhancing community resilience and clean energy initiatives in Southwest Minnesota.
Supports transportation providers and the public by seeking innovative solutions to meet community needs through education, coordination, and collaboration.
SRDC is here to help strengthen your community!
SRDC offers a vast list of services to assist with your needs. Contact us if you are interested in working with SRDC on your project.