Expanded Grant Navigator Program Offers More Funding for Climate Projects

The League of Minnesota Cities’ Grant Navigator is now offering even more opportunities for Minnesota cities to secure funding for critical projects. In addition to the original program, which provides up to $5,000 per city for grant research and writing expenses, there is now additional funding from Minnesota foundations specifically for environmental and climate change projects.

Cities with projects focused on these areas can now receive up to $10,000 per city to cover grant writing expenses, pre-engineering work, or other consultant fees. This increased funding demonstrates a commitment to supporting cities in addressing critical environmental challenges and implementing sustainable solutions. Get more information and access the application for Grant Navigator.

Bloomington Enlists Therapists To Support Residents Following Certain 911 Calls

Bloomington recently launched a pilot program hiring therapists to assist residents experiencing mental health crises after certain 911 calls, as reported by the Minnesota Star Tribune. Initiated by the Bloomington Police Department in partnership with Bloomington Public Health, this program aims to connect individuals to a therapist within one to two days, targeting those facing issues such as overdoses, anxiety, depression, or school attendance challenges. Two licensed therapists, along with two interns from St. Mary’s University, provide short-term support either in person or via telehealth to stabilize individuals until they can access long-term care.

The program addresses a crucial gap as many residents face significant wait times for therapy, with some experiencing delays of up to 10 weeks. In the program’s initial seven months, therapists handled 44 cases, and over half of these individuals successfully transitioned into long-term treatment. Funded initially by opioid settlement and state funds, officials are currently exploring sustained funding options.

NLC’s Congressional City Conference

The National League of Cities Congressional City Conference is set for March 10-12 in Washington, D.C. City officials who attend this annual event can connect with the Minnesota congressional delegation, learn about new federal programs, meet other city officials from across the country, and polish their advocacy skills. Learn more at ccc.nlc.org.

New Raymond Area Museum Shares City’s Rich History

The Raymond Area Museum recently opened, celebrating the city’s 135-year history, featuring artifacts, photos, and documents from the community’s past.

Local volunteers established the museum in a section of the former MACCRAY East Elementary School, saved from demolition by the Raymond City Council, according to the West Central Tribune. The museum’s grand opening took place during the Raymond Harvest Festival, drawing over 300 visitors.

Museum board member Randy Haats, volunteer Diane Macht, and others transformed the classrooms into displays highlighting the city’s rich history. Volunteers carefully cataloged donations to accurately document the stories behind each item, from past milestones to recent events. The museum continues to welcome donations, encouraging residents to contribute items along with their personal stories.

Open on a limited schedule and during key community events, the museum serves as an educational resource, especially for younger residents, to connect with the city’s heritage. The museum board hopes to keep Raymond’s history alive, inviting future generations to play a role in preserving and celebrating the community’s legacy.

All-America City Award

The National Civic League will once again recognize 10 communities with the All-America City Award, and the time is now for your community to apply for this national recognition. This year’s awards will highlight the pivotal role that community engagement plays in advancing environmental sustainability.

To apply, you’ll need to describe the strength of your city’s civic capital — the formal and informal relationships and networks used to make decisions and solve problems — and to provide examples of community-driven projects that demonstrate a commitment to conservation and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

More than 500 communities have been named an All-America City since the program began in 1949, including 20 from Minnesota.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 27. Learn more about the All-America City Award.