CEDA grant to provide technical support, funding

Photo by Tucker Henderson
Downtown New York Mills could receive a new chance at life thanks to a CEDA grant that will provide 150 hours of technical support and $15,000 in funding. The NY Mills City Council said it would like to look at enhancing the downtown area with the grant.

By Chad Koenen

Publisher

The City of New York Mills received a unique grant to enhance the growth of the community. 

During its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 13, the NY Mills City Council heard that the city received a Community and Economic Development Associate (CEDA) grant of $15,000 and 150 hours of technical support. 

The grant is intended to empower the communities that received the grant with overcoming obstacles and realizing their economic growth. It is designed to foster economic growth in cities under 3,000 people in greater Minnesota who face unique challenges related to staff capacity, finances or economic development knowledge. 

“We had in mind the downtown area and it has been identified in the 2025 process to revitalize the downtown area,” said city clerk Julie Roberts. “For technical assistance for someone to guide us because we don’t have someone on staff (will be a big help).”

City councilman Latham Hetland said NYM Forward committee recently met and are excited about the potential to have an individual come to town to help it with some of their projects.

“We are all really excited about it. It is going to be good. It is 150 hours of people and money,” said Hetland. 

Members of the city council said they were not only excited about the monetary grant, but also the opportunity to get technical support with fresh eyes to help the city revitalize the downtown NY Mills area.

“We are thrilled to support these communities in their economic development efforts,” said Ron Ziegler, CEO at CEDA. “The Rural Capacity Program reflects our dedication to enhancing the economic vitality of smaller cities in Minnesota, addressing specific challenges they face, and ultimately contributing to their long-term success.”