As 2023 draws to a close, it is hard to believe that nearly one year has already passed since I started serving as commissioner of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. This year has been a whirlwind of activity, and I can honestly say that I have loved every minute of it.
A highlight for me was getting out into our communities for meetings, tours, ground breakings, grand openings, speaking engagements and more. I enjoyed personally connecting with business leaders, mayors, city administrators, tribal governments, nonprofits and educators across our 13,000-square-mile service area. It was helpful to learn firsthand from our stakeholders regarding issues, needs and priorities.
One pressing issue that came up again and again was the regional housing shortage. According to Business Insider, the housing shortage and the labor shortage are connected. People cannot locate to an area and accept a job if nearby housing is unavailable. For our region to thrive, there must be both employment and housing opportunities. Jobs and housing go hand-in-hand.
In addition to recruiting and growing business and job opportunities, one of the ways we can help northeastern Minnesota thrive is to address this shortage. We created a new $5 million Housing grant program, which opened for applications on Nov. 1. We are very eager for the grant money to go toward great housing projects, both small and large, in northeastern Minnesota.
View details about the Housing grant program.
During 2023, we funded numerous innovative projects that will increase the regional tax base, retain jobs and create construction jobs, provide essential services, improve education for our youth, expand outdoor recreation and enhance our quality of life. The impact of these investments is significant:
- 12 business loans totaling $21.6 million for a total project investment of $136.8 million.
- 185 grants totaling $38.6 million in over 70 communities for a total project investment of $275.2 million.
Our business and community development teams are ready and accessible to help communities and businesses. Please reach out with your ideas, questions or suggestions.
It is an honor to lead this agency, which has such a strong impact on the people and the region that I love. I am excited for the new year and the future of our region and the entire state.
Wishing you all a happy holiday season!
Commissioner Ida Rukavina
