Region Nine Development Commission

10/21/2026

.MPR News recently covered the New Ulm Public Library’s new community fridge and freezer. Check out their story featuring RNDC Regional Food Rescue Coordinator Tom Polich!

https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/10/15/new-ulm-public-library-fighting-food-insecurity-and-food-waste-by-adding-fridge-and-freezer?utm_id=97757_v0_s00_e0_tv2_a1demo0d1o63vc&fbclid=IwY2xjawVFxxdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mAXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4KBeSsaYPAnbFN8lqritHgjFtj1eymQQFpL8elYcLsHsyiMU5mQXS5HCYEsQ_aem_BlvvRU2_7Yh6bENfqJc-6A

A new community fridge and freezer recently installed at the New Ulm Public Library is helping combat food insecurity amid a rise in demand for food assistance. The library’s big freezer and large fridge also help prevent food waste by rescuing food that otherwise would have been headed to landfil...

10/20/2026

At last Wednesday’s Commission Meeting, RNDC recognized six commissioners not seeking reelection and thanked them for their service to South Central Minnesota.

Region Nine is grateful for the time, leadership, and perspective each of these Commissioners has brought to the Commission and for their service to economic and community development across South Central Minnesota.

The outgoing Commissioners:
• Jean Anderson, Faribault County Cities Under 10,000
• Jeff Annis, Blue Earth County Cities Under 10,000
• Paul Harris, Watonwan County Cities Under 10,000 Commissioner
• Tom Loveall, Faribault County Commissioner
• Steve Rohlfing, Le Sueur County Commissioner
• Rob Wilkening, Waseca County Cities Under 10,000

RNDC extends its sincere thanks to all six commissioners for their dedication and contributions. We wish them all the best in their next chapters!

10/13/2026

RNDC is hosting two community events on Thursday, November 5, at The Hive in Fairmont to gather ideas, discuss community needs, and explore opportunities for the future.

• Community & Economic Development Discussion | Noon–2 p.m.
Economic developers, elected officials, and local professionals are invited to participate in a facilitated discussion led by University of Minnesota Extension. The conversation will focus on the future of Fairmont and the region, current community needs, and opportunities to strengthen the local economy and communities.

• Community Visioning Event | 5 p.m.
Everyone is welcome! Residents, families, youth, and other community members are encouraged to join this informal gathering to share their ideas and vision for Fairmont and the surrounding region. Enjoy art activities, food, music, and refreshments while helping shape the community’s future.

Your perspective matters. Join RNDC, The Fairmont Economic Development Authority, and University of Minnesota Extension to share your ideas about community development, economic opportunities, or what would make Fairmont an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

When: Thursday, November 5
Where: The Hive, Fairmont, MN
Register at https://www.tinyurl.com/FEDAEvent

Bring your ideas and help shape what comes next for Fairmont!

10/12/2026

The Community Fridge/Freezer at New Ulm Public Library - City of New Ulm are restocked for the weekend. Fresh, local produce and some healthy individual meals.

Thank you Region Nine Development Commission!

If you or someone you know are in need of nutritious food, this resource is available during the library’s open hours. Please take what you need for the weekend and leave the rest for our neighbors ❤️

10/09/2026

Interested in the future of transportation?

The University of Minnesota’s Center for Transportation Studies will host its 2026 Transportation Research Conference on Thursday, November 5, bringing together transportation researchers, practitioners, and leaders to explore the latest research and innovations shaping transportation.

The conference will feature discussions on multimodal safety, transit, mobility and access, electric vehicles, transportation infrastructure, workforce development, and more. Attendees will also hear from experts about university–agency collaboration and strategies for advancing safer transportation systems.

Whether you're involved in transportation planning, community development, or local government, this conference offers an opportunity to learn about emerging research and ideas that can help strengthen transportation systems across Minnesota.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Location: McNamara Alumni Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
Registration: $125; discounted rates available for first-time attendees and students
Registration deadline: Thursday, October 22

Learn more and register: https://www.cts.umn.edu/events/conference/2026

10/07/2026

It is fitting that we've "Gone Bananas" for National Fruit at Work Day. Our team loves partnering with Nine Development Commission and the South Central MN Food Recovery to bring fruits and vegetables to our Free Store!

10/05/2026

Preparing our communities for a changing climate starts with the right information and resources.

Through its partnership with the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership (MCAP), RNDC connects South Central Minnesota communities and residents with practical tools for building resilience.

RNDC’s MCAP webpage brings together resources including:
• Homeowner checklists for flooding, wildfire, extreme heat, wind and hail, and snow and ice
• The MCAP Cost of Inaction study, examining the potential financial impacts of climate change in Minnesota
• MCAP Resilience Stories featuring communities and projects building a more climate-ready future

Explore the resources and learn more about the MCAP partnership at www.rndc.org/mcap

09/30/2026

Exciting news for Waseca County! During the early stages, the county partnered with RNDC to create a Regional Manufacturing Resilience Plan and Feasibility Study for the project.

Waseca County breaks ground on upcoming Workforce Development Center

Link in the comments

09/28/2026

We're hiring! RNDC is looking for a Lending Specialist to manage its Revolving Loan Fund.

The position will focus on marketing the program to local bankers, economic development representatives, prospective clients, and other financing partners in the area. This position is responsible for the underwriting process of new loans, organizing loan committee meetings, preparing closing documents, and the ongoing service of existing loans within the Organization’s portfolio.

Apply today to make a positive impact on Region Nine! Visit https://www.rndc.org/lending-specialist/ to learn more

09/24/2026

The New Richland and Waseca Area Foundations are accepting donations to support flood recovery efforts in New Richland. Approximately 1,200 people and 80% of homes were impacted. You can donate at https://wasecaareafoundation.org/