Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Regional Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Regional development group asks county to restore appropriation for leadership programs
Summary
Bruce Hein, director of the Red River Valley Development Association, asked Becker County to resume its annual appropriation to support leadership and youth programs following a lapse tied to the association’s secretary‑treasurer illness and death; commissioners agreed to follow up with extension and return recommendations.
Bruce Hein, speaking for the Red River Valley Development Association (RRVDA), described the organization’s century‑long work supporting rural leadership, youth programs and county awards across 14 northwest Minnesota counties. Hein said Becker County was a founding member and that the association’s focus has shifted since COVID from a single banquet to a wider set of leadership and youth investments delivered with partner institutions.
Hein said last year’s appropriation request did not reach the county because of the RRVDA secretary‑treasurer’s illness and subsequent death; he asked Becker County to continue funding the association’s programs and said an appropriation request has been submitted to County Administrator Carrie. Hein highlighted the youth leadership awards, FFA and 4‑H work and an emerging leadership program (previously called the King Agassi program) that the association supports for rural leadership development.
Commissioners agreed to discuss the request with the county extension regional director at the next extension committee meeting and said they saw value in continuing to support county residents’ participation in the programs. No formal appropriation vote was taken during the meeting, but staff were directed to place the item on the extension agenda for follow‑up.
