In 1995, West Central Initiative received designation
from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration
(EDA) to become the region’s Economic Development District
(EDD). The dissolving of the West Central Regional Development
Commission (RDC) in 1982 left the region without the ability
to attract federal infrastructure dollars. At the request of
communities in the region, WCI applied for and received EDD designation
on behalf of west central Minnesota. An annual planning grant
from the EDA enables WCI to carry out the EDD activities for
the region.
There are two major components of fulfilling the role as the region’s
designee. One is providing technical assistance to communities invited by the
EDA to apply for grants for public works infrastructure. The second is annually
submitting an approved Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
An EDD Board of Directors governs the Economic Development District. The board
consists of the WCI Board of Directors and elected officials representing units
of government from the region. The EDD Board oversees the activities of WCI
in their role as the Economic Development District designee.
The focus of the community development program is to improve the quality of
life in west central Minnesota by helping communities develop plans for where
they would like to see themselves in the future and by promoting community/economic
development through the creation, retention and improvement of high quality
jobs. The Community Development Director connects communities to various state
and federal community development programs and resources. In addition, the
Community Development Director develops and maintains networks with economic
development professionals and local elected officials.
For more information on WCI's Community Development
Program, email Wayne Hurley, Planning Director. |
