ABOUT US
Collaborative. Dynamic. Intentional.
Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) is a high-performing, regionally-focused partner providing community development, economic development and transportation initiatives in central Minnesota. Our programs are strategic and resilient in nature, and contain an inclusive and collaborative approach, with an emphasis on local foods/agricultural and renewable energy economy. We are committed to helping the region respond to challenges by implementing strategies that expand the focus within regional economic development and local Comprehensive Plans to include pandemic response strategies, as well as diversifying technical assistance and other opportunities offered to small businesses. R5DC harnesses the power of regional collaboration to collectively raise the economic prospects of our region. North Central Economic Development Association (NCEDA), our non-profit lending arm, facilitates five lending programs for businesses and two homeowner lending programs, for well-water and septic systems.
WE SERVE
THE COMMISSION
The purpose of the Region Five Development Commission is 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.
Cass County
Bob Kangas, County Commissioner
Kevin Egan, Municipalities
John Benson, Town Boards
Crow Wing County
Rosemary Franzen, County Commissioner
Tom Lillehei, Municipalities
Doug Kern, Town Boards
Jan Lambert, City of Brainerd
Morrison County
Greg Blaine, County Commissioner
Rollie Johnson, Municipalities
Chuck Parins, Area Council of Government
Todd County
Barb Becker, County Commissioner
Alex Weego, Municipalities
Julie Polak, Town Boards
Wadena County
Sheldon Monson, County Commissioner
David A. Anderson, Municipalities
Murlyn Kreklau, Town Boards
Special Interest
Erich Heppner, Higher Education
Tami Klucas, Camp Ripley
Katherine Baier, Emerging Leader
Diane Jacobson, SWCD
Curt Johnson, R5 School Board Rep
Andrea Haverinen, R5 School Board Rep
Chet Bodin, MN Workforce Development
*Current as of July 1, 2020.
RDC board membership is comprised of elected officials from townships, cities, counties, school boards, and public interest groups per statute 462.388.
HISTORY
Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) is a five-county Regional Development Commission (RDC) established in 1973 under the Minnesota Regional Development Act of 1969 (MS Sections 462.381 to 462.398). The Act defines the boundaries, membership, operating principals and the specific duties and powers of an RDC. There are nine Regional Development Commissions in Minnesota covering 63 counties, forming the Minnesota Association of Development Organizations.
RDCs provide a variety of technical assistance services to the local units of government based on the individual needs of their region. They partner with numerous state and federal agencies, obtaining and administering grants for programs and projects at the local level, and are recognized for their fiscal responsibility and capabilities in professional program management.