CEDS 2026–2030: Help Shape South Central Minnesota’s Future

2026 Ceds Web Header(1)

South Central Minnesota is building a five–year regional plan through 2030. Over the next year, we’ll gather ideas from across the region to build a shared picture of where we’re headed, where we want to go, and how we’ll get there. Think of it as a community vision board, built with input from everyone who calls this place home: residents, workers, farmers, business owners, educators, and students. We’ll update this page throughout the year with new surveys, events, and draft materials.

Have questions or want to get involved? Contact Alejandra Bejarano at alejandra@rndc.org.

How can you participate?

     • Take a survey (3–7 minutes each)
     • Join an event (forums, roundtables, and focus groups)
     • Invite us to your event — we’ll come to you!

Download the CEDS 101 Sheet by clicking the image below.

Ceds 101 Page 1

CEDS Surveys

Help steer priorities by completing one or more of these quick surveys:

Human capital: for anyone living or working in the region
Student: for all local students
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mnstudent2026 – English
Education: for teachers, counselors, and education staff
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/mneducation2026 – English
Note: Surveys are anonymous unless you choose to share contact information for follow–up. More surveys will be added throughout the year.

Events

We’ll be hosting sessions across the region and tabling at community events.


Upcoming events

  • Childcare roundtable – details coming soon
  • Gap financer & lenders event
  • Additional dates – coming soon


In your community
Do you know of an event that we should join? Tell us about it here https://www.rndc.org/community-calendar/

RNDC Community & Economic Development (CED) Committee

NAME AFFLILIATION TITLE
Ahmed Mohamud MN Council of Churches (MCC), Refugee Services-Mankato Office Manager
Aiden Opatz University of Minnesota Extension Community Economics Educator
Brent Christopherson Taylor Corporation Director of Talent Acquisition
Chris Dalton* City of New Ulm (Brown County) City Manager
Dawn Kratzke* City of Gaylord (Sibley County) Mayor
Dr. Mohammad S. Alam Minnesota State University, Mankato Dean, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology –
Elroy Glidden* City of Welcome (Martin County) City Council
Heather Gleason South Central WorkForce Council Executive Director
Jaime  Flynn Forensic Mental Health Program Medical Services Administrative Director
Jean Anderson* City of Winnebago (Faribault County) Mayor
Jeff Annis* City of Mapleton (Blue Earth County) Mayor
Julie Tesch* Waseca County President & CEO – Center for Rural Policy & Development
Kelcey Woods-Nord South Central College Vice President of Strategic Partnerships
Lourdes Menjivar COPAL (Communities Organizing Latine Power and Action) Regional Director South-Central
Mary Milbrath* Belgrade Township (Nicollet County) Supervisor – Chair
Paul Harris* Watonwan County City of St. James Council Member
Ryan Vesey Greater Mankato Growth Business Development Director
Steve Rohlfing* Le Sueur County Commissioner – District 5
RNDC Commissioners*

Partners and Supporters

A special thank you to:
  • The Southwest Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, Extension, University of Minnesota
  • Brigid Tuck, Applied Research Specialist, University of Minnesota Extension
  • Kathryn Leys, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Extension
  • Ryan Vesey, Economic Development Director, Greater Mankato Growth
  • Anna Pollock, Executive Director, Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council
  • Alyssa Wetzel-Moore, Community Development Director, Minnesota Housing