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Become a Good Jobs Designated Employer

Join Advance Thief River, Inter-County Community Council, Rural Minnesota CEP, and the Regional Workforce Alliance for a Lunch and Learn on Monday, June 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Legacy Event Center. Local employers can learn how to become a Good Jobs Designated Employer, access workforce development resources, and participate in regional initiatives that support employee recruitment, retention, workplace quality, and long-term business growth in Northwest Minnesota.

Pull Up a Chair: The Longest Table Returns April 23

Join the Longest Table on April 23 at 6:00 PM at Northland Community and Technical College for a Scandinavian-themed community dinner. Enjoy Swedish meatballs, lefse, rømmegrøt, and more, with live nyckelharpa music by Renee Vaughan. Designed to bring together newcomers and long-time residents, this event creates meaningful connections over a shared meal. Limited tickets available—reserve your seat today.

The Longest Table

Experience The Longest Table in Thief River Falls on April 23 at Northland Community & Technical College—a Scandinavian-themed community dinner for newcomers and long-term residents, featuring traditional Scandinavian cuisine, live nyckelharpa music by Renee Vaughan, and a unique shared table designed to bring people together. Join this one-of-a-kind cultural event celebrating food, music, and connection.

Thrive in Thief River Strategic Plan Rollout

Join us April 9 from 12–1:30 PM at Northland Community and Technical College for the public rollout of the new Strategic Plan. Discover key priorities, long-term goals, and actionable strategies shaping the community’s future. Connect with local leaders, partners, and residents as we move from planning to implementation and build momentum for sustainable growth.

North Star Neighbors: A Lasting Housing Solution for Northwest Minnesota

North Star Neighbors is expanding affordable homeownership opportunities in Northwest Minnesota through a community land trust model that keeps homes affordable for generations. By separating land ownership from the home and sharing appreciation at resale, the program balances wealth-building with long-term community stability. Learn how the model works, who is eligible, and how to explore available homes through North Star Neighbors.

Promise Act Grants Available

The second round of the PROMISE Act Grant is now open in Northwest Minnesota, with applications accepted through January 30, 2026. Review eligibility requirements, application materials, and additional information in this blog post. This competitive program is not first come, first served, giving applicants time to prepare strong submissions. All applications are submitted online, and assistance is available through the PROMISE Act inquiry form. Businesses and nonprofits are eligible for funding.