Minnesota State Senator Carla Nelson (R-Rochester) presented an economic development bill for small cities to the Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee on Monday. Senate File 2185 would provide a one-time grant of $627,000 to Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA) for economic development grants to small communities across rural Minnesota. The grant will enable CEDA to design, implement, market, and administer basic community and economic development programs tailored to individual community needs.
“Small communities in rural Minnesota often lack the economy of scale to have the dedicated expertise needed to drive economic development,” Nelson said. “The budgets for small cities and townships are often notoriously constrained, preventing officials from accessing support for economic development opportunities. CEDA has a proven track record of helping Minnesota small communities drive economic development. This funding will allow CEDA to continue supporting economic growth in rural Minnesota.”
CEDA is a non-profit organization that works with communities to support local economic development. Grants would be given to communities that otherwise can’t afford to invest in their own economic development, placing them at a competitive disadvantage.
The bill was met with positive comments from the committee and was laid over and will be considered for a larger jobs bill later in session.
PHOTOS AND VIDEO
Watch the bill presentation here.
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