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Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025
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Welcome to our monthly update, where we highlight the latest developments, initiatives and exciting changes from ECN. This update aims to keep you informed and engaged with what's happening within our team.
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GIS Helping NG911
Next Generation 911 is coming to Minnesota! The technology is a big step in making sure emergency calls are routed faster and more accurately to first responders.
Behind the scenes, experts like Mark Volz from Lyon County are making it happen. To recognize his efforts, our Emergency Communication Networks division and MNIT presented Mark with a certificate of recognition and a challenge coin. Work like this will help build a safer, smarter 911 system for all Minnesota.
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Minnesota’s Hosted GIS Platform for NG911 Is Officially Live
On Oct. 20, 2025, Minnesota officially launched its new hosted GIS environment, powered by 1Spatial; a major milestone in the state’s transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911). The platform builds on the strong foundation already established across Minnesota and provides a centralized and nationally aligned space for contributors to submit, validate and manage GIS data more consistently and efficiently statewide.
The launch followed a 45-day soft rollout during which counties and PSAP teams tested workflows, validated data, and provided valuable feedback that shaped the platform’s final form. Their input was instrumental in fine-tuning the system before go-live and a reminder that local expertise remains central to how we move forward.
We’re grateful to everyone who helped make this possible, from the local GIS teams doing the hands-on work to MnGeo, ECN and our vendor partners at 1Spatial. This rollout represents a shared achievement, and as we continue advancing toward full NG911 readiness, we’re confident this hosted platform will provide a strong, stable foundation for the work ahead.
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911/988 Make the Right Call
Help spread the word about the 911/988 campaign.
Just like 911 connects people to police, fire and medical help in an emergency, 988 provides immediate access to mental health crisis support. If you need immediate emotional or mental health support, or are worried about someone else, call or text 988 or visit the 988 Lifeline at https://988lifeline.org.
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Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium Conference
At the Minnesota GIS/LIS Consortium Conference last month, Director Leah Palmer and Minnesota Geospatial Information (MnGeo) Director Alison Slaats presented on Minnesota’s ongoing transition to NG911. The session emphasized how GIS professionals across the state are strengthening public safety by developing and maintaining accurate geospatial data to help route 911 calls more efficiently and precisely. These efforts reduce call transfers and improve location accuracy, saving critical time in emergencies and ultimately saving lives.
The presentation highlighted the strong collaboration among state and local partners advancing NG911 implementation in Minnesota.
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ARMER Grant Update
As of fall 2025, all ARMER grant awards under the current program cycle are progressing as planned, with contracts scheduled to conclude on June 30, 2026. Of the 77 total contracts, 45 are active and ongoing, 29 have been successfully completed with all activities finalized at the end of State Fiscal Year 2025, and three applications remain pending in E-Grants.
No funding turnbacks have been reported to date.
ECN will connect with any outstanding grantees in Q4 of 2025 to confirm project status and determine whether any award reallocations are necessary.
An overview of all awards is available upon request.
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Did You Know?
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ECN is currently conducting a Request for Proposal to select a strategic planning consultant to develop a roadmap for the state’s NG911 transition. The selected consultant will engage stakeholders across Minnesota to gather feedback, identify needs and highlight opportunities to address as the plan is implemented.
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ECN team members recently visited Minnesota’s new State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to tour the facility and learn more about its enhanced capabilities. During the visit, the team also had the opportunity to see Goodhue County’s Command Vehicle, which demonstrated the innovative tools and resources local partners are using to enhance emergency response.
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Get to Know Your ECN Staff
Wireless Broadband Program Manager and Deputy Statewide Interoperability Coordinator
Since joining ECN in January 2016, Melinda has led key initiatives including the state’s implementation of the National FirstNet Project, strengthening public safety communications and interoperability across Minnesota.
With a background in software development, Melinda combines technical expertise with a strong commitment to collaboration and relationship-building. She manages partnerships with commercial carriers, the FirstNet Authority, and technology committees of the Statewide Emergency Communications Board (SECB).
In addition, Melinda has played a leadership role in the statewide NorthStar Exercise at Camp Ripley for the past five years, serving as Exercise Director in 2025.
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