HF4961

Purpose

Provide a one-time funding grant to support equitable economic development in northeast Minnesota. The money is intended to strengthen community-based organizations, improve the vitality of commercial corridors, and expand access to resources and technical assistance through the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Network in the Duluth area.

Main Provisions

• Funding: A one-time appropriation of $1,500,000 from Minnesota's general fund for fiscal year 2027.
• Grant recipient: The Duluth office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to support equitable economic development in northeast Minnesota.
• Objectives:
  • Strengthen community-based organizations
  • Enhance commercial corridor vitality
  • Expand access to resources and technical assistance via the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Network
• Allowed uses of the grant:
  • Workshops and training
  • Community and organizational networking and learning experiences
  • Staff resources
  • Leveraging additional grant dollars
  • Lending capital to support economic development activities
• Administration: The grant is administered by the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development.

Significance / Impact on Existing Law

• Creates a new, targeted one-time funding initiative within the state budget to support LISC Duluth’s work.
• Emphasizes equitable economic development and local, community-driven efforts in northeast Minnesota.
• Expands access to resources and technical assistance through the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Network.
• Does not establish ongoing funding; it is a single-year appropriation for fiscal year 2027.

Implementation Considerations (Notes)

• The program is limited to onetime funding; ongoing costs or programs beyond 2027 are not specified.
• Success would likely depend on how effectively the Duluth LISC office leverages resources, coordinates with local organizations, and measures impact on corridors and communities.

Relevant Terms - equitable economic development - northeast Minnesota - community-based organizations - commercial corridor vitality - Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Network - Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Duluth office - general fund - grant - one-time appropriation - fiscal year 2027 - commissioner of employment and economic development - workshops - networking - learning experiences - staff resources - leveraging additional grant dollars - lending capital