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. 

​

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.