Region Nine Development Commission takes great pride in working with and on behalf of counties, cities, townships, and schools throughout South Central Minnesota. Since 1972, being a partner for progress has led to the development of programs and identification of solutions in the areas of economic development, business development, healthy communities, transportation, community development, and leveraging regional resources.
Our Mission
To promote the development of the region through intergovernmental cooperation, community and human development, long-range planning, and technical assistance.
Our Vision
To maintain a future-oriented perspective that helps to facilitate decisions resulting in healthier and more prosperous communities.
Our Values
Accountability
We are accountable to the public, our funding agencies and to each other for the quality of our work, promoting development of the region, and being fiscally responsible.
Professionalism
We promote, encourage, and provide opportunities for development, leadership, and mentoring at all levels of participation within the organization. We expect professionalism to be demonstrated by our behavior, conduct, and loyalty.
Communications
We value timely, open, and honest communication to enhance organizational effectiveness.
Adaptability
We embrace change and celebrate new challenges, are able to identify problems, look at the options and evaluate the consequences with a sense of purpose and future.
Diversity
We value and respect the diversity of the region and of our organization.
Teamwork
We support teamwork across the organization, lending knowledge and skill as needed to be successful and efficient.
About the Commission
Region Nine Development Commission was organized by local elected officials in 1972 as authorized by the Minnesota Legislature’s Regional Development Act of 1969. The Commission is governed by 39 regional leaders. They included elected officials representing nine counties, 72 cities, 147 townships, 33 school districts, the Minnesota Valley Council of Governments, and the following public interest groups: Health & Human Welfare, Minority Populations, and Youth Commissioners.
RNDC Commissioners
Click on a county to see commissioners and more information
Public Interest Group Representatives
- Sarah Berry, Health & Human Welfare
- Ayan Omar, Minority Populations
- Chris Dalton, MN Valley Council of Governments
- Mike Pfeil, Regional School Boards
- Rita Rassbach, Regional School Boards
- Katelynne Kratz, Youth—College-Age
- VACANT, Youth—High School-Age
Commissioner Committees
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors have legal and ethical responsibility to ensure RNDC does the best work possible in pursuit of its goals.
Meets: Feb, Mar, May, June, Aug, Sep, Nov, Dec at 4:30 p.m.
Staff Contact: Nicole Griensewic, Executive Director
Budget & Personnel
The committee provides oversight and guidance to the organization in regard to annual budgeting, personnel issues and updating organizational policies as appropriate and in accordance with the law.
Meets: Monthly meetings are held during budget season (Mar-Jun) in the evening. Meetings throughout the remainder of the year are held as needed.
Staff Contact: Nicole Griensewic, Executive Director; Ky Battern, Finance Director
Legislative & Communications Committee
The committee establishes legislative priorities and policy recommendations, advocates for the region’s needs and communicates as needed.
Meets: On average four times per year as needed.
Staff Contact: Nicole Griensewic, Executive Director
Community and Economic Development Planning Committee
The committee provides technical advice and guidance to the Community Development Department and on the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) report. Committee meetings typically have a speaker focused on one of the following areas: workforce, employment, business development and economic development policy issues.
Meets: As needed. Typically during business hours.
Staff Contact: Nicole Griensewic, Executive Director
Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC)
The committee provides technical advice and recommends actions to the Transportation Planner on transportation issues, plans, programs and goals within the geographical area served by Region Nine. The committee provides input on local and regionally significant projects.
Meets: Quarterly during business hours.
Staff Contact: Joel Hanif, Community Development Planner
