West Central Initiative

Take action for your community!

Join us on August 5 at the Fergus Falls Area Chamber of Commerce for Run4Rural, a free leadership training for people interested in public office or other forms of public leadership. This nonpartisan program helps participants gain practical skills to build a campaign that is authentic, community-focused, and effective.

Participants will:

✅ Understand what’s at stake in our communities and the role of local elections.
✅ Find your personal motivation and the right position to serve.
✅ Communicate through stories and shared values.
✅ Engage your community and refine your message to bring people together.

Visit business.fergusfalls.com/events/details/run4rural-candidate-workshop-77318 to learn more and register!

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day weekend!

As we celebrate 250 years of our nation’s history, we reflect on the values of liberty, democracy, and justice that unite us. We honor our past, celebrate our progress, and remain committed to building a more inclusive, equitable future for all.

Our office is closed today, July 3, in observance of the holiday.

🌱 This summer, a Clean Energy Resource Teams (CERTs) Seed Grant is helping our rural communities take a closer look at their energy systems and identify opportunities to save energy and reduce costs.

The grant supports our 2026 Energy Engineering Intern, Björn von der Ecken, as he works directly with communities in our region to evaluate local energy systems and develop recommendations that can reduce energy costs and support long-term sustainability.

By providing technical assistance at no cost to participating communities, this work helps local leaders make informed decisions, strengthen community assets, and invest in a more sustainable future.

Visit www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/2026grants to learn more!

2026 CERTs Seed Grants awarded to 52 community-based clean energy projects The Clean Energy Resource Teams awarded seed grants to 52 energy efficiency and renewable energy projects across Minnesota. From Ramsey County to Renville, Mahnomen to Madelia, this round of community-led projects serves a wide array of clean energy ideas, with many focused on helping neighbors to b...