About the Red River Regional Council
The purpose of the Red River Regional Council is to assist the local leadership with developing and carrying out plans of action for overall development of our natural and human resources within North Dakota's Substate Planning Region IV, which consists of Grand Forks County, Nelson County, Pembina County and Walsh County.
In 1969, Governor William Guy divided the state into eight regions for planning and service delivery purposes. The four counties in Region IV have endorsed the Red River Regional Council as a multi-county planning agency and have provided financial support. The Red River Regional Council came to be in 1973.
The 1997 North Dakota Legislature officially made each of the state's eight Regional Councils political subdivisions. Prior to August 1997, each of the Regional Councils operated in a not for profit incorporated status. The Regional council does not expect any major changes in its operation since becoming a political subdivision.
The Council's goal is to use local, state, Federal and private financial resources to assist in making Grand Forks County, Nelson County, Pembina County and Walsh County a better place to live and work for all its citizens.
The Regional Council's operating budget is comprised of a large assortment of funding mechanisms and it changes on a continual basis year after year. Sources that have been steady and ongoing for the past several years include county dues; Economic Development Administration Planning Grant; Community Development Block Grant program; and Job Development Authority contracts.
The purposes of the Red River Regional Council include:
- Coordinate planning and development within the Region for all matters of regional concern as determined by the Regional council, including but not limited to land use, social and economic planning, economic development, transportation, health, environmental quality, water and sewerage, solid waste, flood relief, parks and open spaces, hospitals, public buildings and housing, to include housing rehabilitation, new housing construction, and the production of affordable housing.
- Participate with other public agencies and private organizations in regard to research for planning and development activities relevant to the Region.
- For the purpose of coordination, work with state and Federal departments, agencies and institutions in reviewing and commenting on all plans and Federal aid applications as to their impact on the Region.
- Develop guidelines for the coordination of land use plans and ordinances within the Region.
- Prepare a regional comprehensive plan and file that plan along with any changes with the respective local County Auditor's Office.
- Receive and expand Federal, state and local funds, and contract for services with units of general local government and private individuals and organizations, consistent with the scope and objectives of planning and development functions.
- Provide technical assistance for primary sector business development by leveraging local funds to assist in product development, product testing, business plan development, feasibility studies, gaining patent protections, legal services, market strategy development and other needs to stimulate business development.
- Host business outreach forums to stimulate entrepreneurship and interchange with potential investment and forums on other matters of importance to the local area.
- Upon request, facilitate the financing of local economic development activities, such as interest buy down programs and local revolving loan fund programs, without regard to the fiscal source.