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

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Morrison County

Greg Blaine, County Commissioner

Rollie Johnson, Municipalities

Chuck Parins, Area Council of Government

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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

Mathew Erickson, Camp Ripley

Katherine Baier, Emerging Leader 

Diane Jacobson, SWCD

Curt Johnson, R5 School Board Rep

Andrea Haverinen, R5 School Board Rep

Craig Nathan, MN Workforce Development

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*Current as of June 1, 2019.

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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.

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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.