Posts by etcliff
RFP for early childhood facilities now open through DCYF
RFP for early childhood facilities now open through DCYF The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), through its Child Care Services Division, is seeking proposals from qualified responders to predesign, design, construct or renovate facilities for early childhood learning programs under the Early Childhood Facilities Grant Program. The Department expects the term of any…
Read MoreThe State of Rural 2026 report published
The State of Rural 2026 report published The Center for Rural Policy and Development recently released their annual report on the state of various economic and demographic indicators in rural Minnesota. The report covers population growth, migration, and demographic shifts, economic and workforce trends, and compares current data to past trends and future projections. You…
Read MoreSenate Committee hears bill with funding & policy changes for Greater Minnesota Housing Infrastructure Grant program
Senate Committee hears bill with funding & policy changes for Greater Minnesota Housing Infrastructure Grant program On March 23, the Senate Housing and Homeless Committee heard S.F. 4571, authored by Sen. Grant Hauschild. This bill provides $15 million in General Obligation bonds to the Greater Minnesota Housing Infrastructure Grant program and also makes a policy change to the…
Read MoreGMNP at the Legislature: Key bills the GMNP is watching
GMNP at the Legislature: Key bills the GMNP is watching Recent bills that are key to the GMNP’s 2026 legislative priorities include: S.F. 3664 (Champion) – Agency policy bill. S.F. 3839 (Port) – Housing infrastructure bond issue and appropriation. H.F. 3600 (Perryman) – Competitive selection processes modified for certain housing development programs. S.F. 4123 / H.F. 3895 (Port / Igo) – Zoning authority of local governments over certain housing types limited.…
Read MoreDEED to host webinar on child care infrastructure
DEED to host webinar on child care infrastructure As part of Business of Child Care’s ongoing virtual series highlighting opportunities of the moment, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) will be hosting a focused conversation on child care as economic development infrastructure. The session will be hosted by Jeff Andrews, President of Business of Child…
Read MoreGMNP announces 2026 policy priorities
GMNP announces 2026 policy priorities The GMNP 2026 legislative platform renews the Partnership’s focus on ensuring Greater Minnesota communities and businesses have the resources they need to thrive. In 2026, the GMNP will work to secure funding for critical housing, workforce development, child care, and broadband programs, and push for a bonding bill that meets…
Read MoreMN Housing awards $7.5M to Greater MN housing infrastructure projects
MN Housing awards $7.5M to Greater MN housing infrastructure projects Minnesota Housing has awarded nearly $7.5 million to 21 infrastructure projects that will support housing development across Greater Minnesota. Grants provide cities and Tribal Nations with funding for public infrastructure, such as roads and utilities, necessary to support housing development. The funds are part of the new Greater Minnesota…
Read More