Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to support economic development in Minnesota by providing funding to Rethos, a nonprofit organization. The purpose is to enhance the Main Street America program's outreach and engagement capabilities.

Main Provisions

• Funding Appropriation: The bill allocates $680,000 for each fiscal year 2026 and 2027.
• Grant Usage: Funds are designated for various activities including outreach, engagement, training, education, reporting, program evaluation, and reducing financial obstacles for program participation.
• Technical Assistance Grants: Of the total funds, $230,000 is earmarked to be distributed as technical assistance grants to local Main Street America organizations. These grants are intended to support local efforts using criteria and processes developed by Rethos.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

There are no explicit changes to existing law noted in the bill. Instead, it establishes new funding to support the expansion of an existing program focused on economic development and revitalization of main street areas.

Relevant Terms

• Economic development
• Rethos
• Main Street America program
• Nonprofit organization
• Technical assistance grants