Soon Feb. 25 will roll around and it will be time to think about the Minnesota State Legislature again. This week on Rural MN Radio, Jim and Marnie talk with State Rep. Kathy Brynaert (Mankato) about why the state’s ability to bond for big expenditures is important and what may be coming up this session.
Crafting the rural narrative
A unique gathering of people got together in mid-November to talk about what Minnesota’s “rural narrative” should be. This week on Rural MN Radio, Marnie tells Jim about this latest meeting of the RED Group (Regional Economic Development) and their yearlong mission to discover Greater Minnesota’s message—or messages—and how to communicate that to the rest of the state.
What now for transportation funding?
Last week on Rural MN Radio, Jim and Marnie discussed the trends that are threatening transportation funding nationwide, but especially in rural areas, as outlined in the Center’s latest policy brief, Roads Less Traveled. This week they continue the conversation by talking about some of the potential solutions being looked at to make up that funding gap.
Rough roads ahead for rural transportation funding?
On this week’s Rural MN Radio, Jim and Marnie discuss the Center’s latest policy brief, “The Road Less Traveled.” Changes in everything from demographics to federal policy are creating conditions that will make funding Greater Minnesota’s highways and bridges even more difficult. The paper itself will be released next week. You can watch for it here at our blog’s new web address, ruralrealitymn.org.
Why the manufacturing boom in west central Minnesota?
This week on Rural MN Radio, Nancy Straw, president and CEO of West Central Initiative and a CRPD board member, discusses the growth in manufacturing jobs and wages in her region of the state and the programs that are helping foster those businesses.
Government shutdowns and the rest of America
On Rural MN Radio this week, Jim talks with Center CEO Brad Finstad about the effects the government shutdown has been having on rural residents, especially in terms of ag programs. How long will it take to get things up and running, and do we go through this again in a few months?
Rural Reality MN 