Minnesota Housing awarded more than $1.1 million in small-city housing grants to 15 communities with less than 10,000 people in Greater Minnesota.
Three of those cities are in Northern Minnesota: Floodwood, Fosston and Deer River, with these projects aimed at developing and financing affordable housing.
“Across Greater Minnesota, communities know best what their residents need,” stated Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho, in a news release.
“This funding gives small cities added capacity to move housing solutions forward and support individuals, families, older adults and others who need safe, stable housing.”
The program prioritizes projects that serve lower-income households and help communities develop and preserve housing that is affordable and workforce-ready, according to a news release.
“The city of Deer River’s development of the White Oak Apartments represents a meaningful and critical step toward providing safe, accessible and affordable housing with much needed services for individuals and families in the community,” stated Mark Box, Deer River city administrator, in the release.
“Partnerships with organizations like KOOTASCA Community Action and Minnesota Housing are essential to making projects like this possible.”
Each selected city will receive $75,000.
Minnesota Housing did not recommend financing for three Northland communities that applied: Baudette, Crookston and Tower.
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All county cameras have been removed as of Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. Cameras under city jurisdiction may remain.
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The tax used to fund civic center improvements will end Dec. 31, 2026.
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Get to know the volunteers behind the mic on KAXE. This week we find out more from longtime On The River host and volunteer, Michelle Bedford.
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KAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Known Only Locally, The Brothers Burn Mountain, Tattletale and a Community Open House Jam.
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During the week of Sept. 15, 2026, we enjoy reports of changing leaves and migrating birds and insects. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
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Grand Rapids Players present the original play “Frankenfeldt” Sept. 25-27 and Oct. 2-4 at the Ives Studio Theater in the Reif Center. The director and two actors guest on “Area Voices.”