UMN Extension Community Development

About two-thirds of rural grocery owners expect to leave the business within the next decade—and many lack succession plans. MANNA Food Co-op uses a model that offers not only buying power but also shared knowledge. Owner Ryan Pesch hopes this approach helps keep the store open for years to come.

Rural Minnesota's grocery stores are changing plans, hands • Minnesota Reformer Ryan Pesch: "You just get the impression like it's just a desolate wasteland, people are hooked on opioids, everybody else is unemployed. And I just don't think that's true."

Extension community economics educator Rani Bhattacharyya says manufacturers are increasingly using technology to improve wages and skills for employees—as well as increasing productivity. "Employers are looking to augment their workforces, not replace them," she says. https://z.umn.edu/bcsh

The process of redesigning and innovating can feel daunting when working with partners on long-term impact. Extension's leadership and civic engagement staff worked with community program coordinators and local leadership to complete a multi-year "reimagining" of its county-based leadership cohorts. Here are four key lessons we learned for leading a community or program through a transition.

Reimagining the path: Four lessons for navigating change While the process to redesign and innovate may be daunting, change is often necessary when working with partners on long-term projects or impact. Discover helpful tips for leading a community or program through a transition.

Extension's Brigid Tuck is always curious about what she'll discover when she conducts an economic impact analysis of festivals and events. The 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship was no exception. In a recent analysis of the event, she found the hockey tournament had a significant economic impact in Minnesota—generating $71.5 million in economic activity across the Twin Cities region. Minnesota Sports and Events

IIHF World Junior Championship delivers $71.5 million boost to Minnesota economy An Extension analysis shows strong economic returns with visitors at the heart of the event.

🗓️ 📌 Where you live matters—especially when it comes to health. Join our next Breakfast Info Bites webinar on May 20 to learn about the unique health challenges that rural communities face and how we might improve our health systems.

Where you live matters: Health in rural America What health issues are rural communities facing in the United States? Join Extension to learn about the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center's work.

Extension's Ben Wi******er was interviewed by MPR News about important housing trends across the state.

As rural MN diversifies and grows, one expert says housing will be key to sustained growth A new report shows many parts of greater Minnesota are diversifying and growing. However, sustained population growth looks unlikely. A rural sociologist says housing has a lot to do with these trends.

Small towns are woven throughout Minnesota. But people often wear many hats in these communities—and starting something new can feel tough. Insights from the Blandin Community Learning Network highlight what helps.

Leading the way: six tips for energizing your small community Especially when you're wearing many hats, it can be hard to step away from existing tasks and create energy for a new idea. Discover six ways to strengthen your engagement and keep momentum going.

Need to develop new skills—or refresh existing ones—as you support local businesses and organizations? Join our May business retention and expansion (BRE) course. You'll go on practice visits to real businesses, learn from guest experts, and network with other economic developers. https://z.umn.edu/b841

We're excited to share the Southeast Minnesota Community Needs Assessment! Join us for our next Breakfast Info Bites webinar on Wednesday, April 15 to learn about infrastructure and amenities in small communities across 16 counties.

Small town infrastructure survey in SE Minnesota . Wednesday, 4/15/26, 8:30-9:00 a.m.

🗓️📌 ICYMI: Join us in Benson, Minn., on April 16 for our Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities field trip! You'll see how local entrepreneurs are revitalizing the town through innovative businesses and reimagined spaces. You'll also have the opportunity to connect with—and be inspired by—others who are building entrepreneurial communities.
https://z.umn.edu/BensonCECFieldTrip
City of Benson MN Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA)

2026 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities field trip to Benson, Minnesota Join us for a field trip to Benson, Minnesota. Come and explore how the Benson community is reviving gathering places, businesses, and community anchors.