October 2024

Residents of Knife River joined discussion around what they want their community to be like in good numbers on October 3.The first round of small communities have been selected to partner with the University of Minnesota (UMN) to build their futures together through the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities (ESMC) program.Minnesota communities are receiving support through three ESMC pathways to work collaboratively with the College of Design, UMN Extension, Center for Transportation Studies, Center for Urban and Regional Affairs, the Humphrey School and others throughout the University of Minnesota.Knife River was one of eight north shore communities, four of which are in Lake County, receiving Phase 1 funding for the Empowering Small Communities grants through the University of Minnesota-Duluth RSDP office.The project will foster community partnerships with University affiliates and faculty to address identified community infrastructure needs.The Knife River Recreation Council, in collaboration with leaders in the community, focused their application on developing an accessible, community-based facility that will contribute to the well-being of individuals and families in the area.