Provides opportunities for residents to start up, expand, and own their own businesses - Child care provider business startups or expansions can qualify for up to $3,000 - Individuals looking to start/expand businesses can qualify for up to $25,000 - Repayment terms are flexible - Women and minority-owned businesses are encouraged to apply

- Business development including assistance with business plan writing and technical assistance - Business loans to eligible businesses - Business plan classes held three times a year

Mayor and City Council Members Member contact information Animal Control - Lakes Area Police (651)257-0622; performs animal control services relating to dogs and cats. Residents experiencing problems with non-domesticated animals such as rodents should call a pest control company for removal of the nuisance. Building Department - Code and zoning enforcement - Commercial and residential building permit, plan review of new construction, including remodels/renovations - Building Inspector (651)213-8381 - Building, HVAC, plumbing, and septic inspections (651)213-8371 - Issuing of permits for burning, sign, etc. City Attorney City Engineer City Parks: Offers many city parks featuring park pavilions/shelters along with camping opportunities. Economic Development - Economic Development Authority provides business loans up to $5,000. Funds may be used for building improvements. (651)257-7634 - Partner with the Chisago County HRA/EDA (Housing & Redevelopment Authority/Economic Development Authority) to provide business assistance to interested developers. For more information regarding development assistance and incentives, visit website or call (651)674-5664 Election - Ballot information, election information, serving as an election judge, voter registration, and voting absentee/voting early Finance Department - Coordination and planning of all city financial information including annual budget and tax levy - Process accounts receivable, accounts payable, and utility billing License and Permits - Includes peddlers, special event permit, etc. - Dog and cat licenses. New licenses are $10 annually and renewals are $5. Certificate of rabies vaccination must be submitted at time of application. Public Works Department - (651)257-7637 Responsible for maintenance and construction of municipal facilities, equipment and associated infrastructure including streets, sidewalks, parks, public buildings, traffic signals, and City-owned vehicles. Also responsible for water and sewer system. Individuals with sewer problems should call city hall during office hours. On weekends, holidays, and after hours, individuals should call (651)706-3466.- Compost Site: (651)257-0620. Located at the Chisago Lakes Joint Wastewater Treatment Site on County Road 77. Open 2 pm - 7 pm Wednesday; 9 am - 4 pm Saturday; 1 pm - 4 pm Sunday. Residents can compost leaves, grass clippings and brush (up to three inches in diameter). Individuals wishing to drop off raw compost will be asked for identification (driver's license, sewer, and water bill and/or tax statement) showing their address.- Recycling and waste Information: Croix Valley Pick-up (651)257-6316

Works to support business in Granite Falls. Manages the city's Revolving Loan Fund and other financial incentives. Helps businesses write plans and connects them with other organizations that can help. Develops strategies to improve the business climate EDA board.

Mayor ?City Council Members City Attorney - Provides legal services, advice, and representation to the City - (218)730-5490 Construction Services and Inspection (Building Department) - Code enforcement, sign permits, and zoning regulations - Commercial and residential building permits: Include plan review of new construction, remodeling, and renovations - Inspection for building, electrical, gas piping, mechanical HVAC, and plumbing - Issuing of permits for construction, decks, electrical, fences, moving building, plumbing, etc. - (218)730-5240 Domestic Partnership Registration - (218)730-5500 Election and Voter Services - Ballot information, election information, serving as an election judge, voter registration, and voting absentee/voting early Finance Department - Coordinates and plans of all city financial information including annual budget and tax levy - Processes accounts receivable, accounts payable, and utility billing License and Permits - Animal, business, charitable gambling, hospitality, liquor, special event permit, etc. Parks and Recreation - Offers recreation amenities and a diverse trail network including programs for all ages, building and park rentals, and Duluth Public Golf - Senior Programs includes lunch time meals and participate in fun activities such as exercise programs, bingo, card games or crafts. Each Senior Center has its own monthly programming schedule with Activity Clubs. Evergreen Senior Center, Morgan Park Community Recreation Center, and Portman Community Recreation Center. - (218)730-4300; [email protected] Planning and Development - Community Development: Provides funding to low and moderate income people to addressing basic needs, providing affordable housing, and increasing economic self-sufficiency - Loan and Incentive Programs: Offers rehabilitation loan and incentives programs for homeowners, rental property owners, and developers ????- Business Development: Promotes economic vitality, job retention and growth, industrial development and redevelopment of existing ??properties through public-private partnerships - Land Use Zoning: Provides permits Public Works - Includes maintenance of all public parks, properties, and facilities, sanitary sewer services, street repairs and street lights, snow removal, storm drainage system, and water treatment and distribution. - Natural gas 24/7 emergency hotline (218)730-4100. For emergencies related to sewer, streets, or water, call (218)730-4000 - (218)730-5105 ?

- Professional development training for providers - Provides services to assist families in finding quality child care - Start-up assistance including technical assistance, coaching, and grant funds to support providers

Mayor and City Council Member Contact Information Building Department: - Darin Haslip, building official - Building inspection information - Construction permit information City Attorney: (320)365-4868 City Clerk Department: - Election information - Local government information including mayor and city council members - Meeting room policy information Community Center: - 130 Main Street South, Hector, MN, (320)848-2710 - Rental available Emergency Management: - Chief of police, [email protected], (320)848-2500 Engineering Department: - City Engineer, Moore Engineering, (701)499-5821 - Map information - Street construction/repair information - Water quality assurance information Planning Department: - Community development - Meets 7 am, 3rd Thursday, at Hector Community Center Public Works Division: - Water/Sewer, (320)848-2122, [email protected] - Parks Supervisor: [email protected] - Parks, trails, playgrounds, ball fields and ice rinks information - Sewer maintenance information - Snow removal information - Street cleaning and street construction/repair information - Water Plant: (320)848-2480, Cell: (320)522-1966 Swimming Pool: (320)848-2533 For any other city information, call city hall.

- Business development including assistance with business plan writing and technical assistance - Business loans to eligible businesses - Business plan classes held three times a year

Provides opportunities for residents to start up, expand, and own their own businesses - Child care provider business startups or expansions can qualify for up to $3,000 - Individuals looking to start/expand businesses can qualify for up to $25,000 - Repayment terms are flexible - Women and minority-owned businesses are encouraged to apply

Business and housing development assistance: - Site selection - Financing alternatives - Tax increment financing and a local revolving loan fund available for qualifying developments - Tax abatement and jobs (tax incentives)

Provides aspiring small business owners with the tools, resources, and guidance needed to succeed. Services include: - Business Technical Assistance: Comprehensive support in business planning, operations, and scaling - Culturally Relevant Entrepreneurship Training: Tailored programs that address unique challenges and opportunities for diverse communities - Micro Lending: Provides access to small loans designed to kickstart and grow businesses - Workshops and Resources: Interactive sessions and materials to enhance business acumen and connect entrepreneurs to vital resources

- Advances economic growth by providing gap financing and business for new, existing, or transitioning businesses, as well as technical assistance and training - Enhances economic and social growth of southwest Minnesota through giving and grant making - Funds and giving tools to help donors meet their unique philanthropic goals - Invests in projects and programs that will enrich the region with a focus on economic advancement, renewable energy, community leadership, and early childhood initiatives

Educational Program - Programs provided by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs to help with business skills, connections, and potential growth, including workshops and training. For current programs, click here Loans and Advising - Loans with no-cost advising. Loans offered: - City of Cook Economic Recovery Fund: Loan for local business in the city of Cook who are recovering from the summer 2024 flood - Gap Financing: Loan covers the "gap" between various sources of funding and the total cost of the project. Used for commercial real estate projects, such as mortgage or major renovation and has more flexibility than traditional lenders - Healthy Food Fund: Specialized loan for local food retailers and producers that helps with replacing dated equipment, investing in technology, expanding business, purchasing inventory, hiring staff, updating building, purchasing new or existing store, and more - SBA Microloan: Start up loan for working capital, inventory, or equipment purchase - Working Capital Loan: Loan provides access to cash for various projects and investments such as marketing campaigns, purchased inventory, upgrade equipment, or expand business operation.

Provides financial and technical services to businesses, communities, and economic development professionals. Promotes and assists in the expansion of exports, works with companies to expand in or relocate to Minnesota, and helps communities with infrastructure financing.

- Business classes and workshops to guide new entrepreneurs and current business owners on issues important to consider when starting or growing a business. - Small business development classes; check website for a current listing of classes. - Business consulting and assessment of business ideas, plan, and potential by qualified business experts. - Technical assistance to grow and enhance a business, review a plan, advise on marketing, pricing, record keeping, operations, and technology. - Micro-loan funds available for qualified businesses. Start-up and expansion loans range in size from $500 to $50,000. - SBA Women's Business Center, part of a national network of centers designed to assist women start their own business. - Financial consulting and small business loans packaging for business owners.

- Business plan review - Business consulting services - Access to financing and loan packaging - Access to corporate and government contract opportunities

Mayor and City Council Members: Member contact information Economic Development - Helps with the development of new businesses and properties throughout the City - Helps retain and redevelop businesses - Provides residential, commercial/nonprofit, and rental property owners access to financing and rehabilitation services. Visit website for more information. Election - Ballot information, election information, serving as an election judge, voter registration, and voting absentee/voting early Engineering Department - Bolton and Menk - City Engineer Finance Department - Coordination and planning of all city financial information including annual budget and tax levy - Process accounts receivable, accounts payable, insurance, and utility billing Fire Department - Address: 501 Varner Street North License and Permit - Animal, beekeeping, burning, chicken, food truck, etc. - Special event permit information and applications available on website ? Planning and Zoning Department - Maintains digital records of planning/property files and the City's Comprehensive Plan, which establishes overall goals and policies for community development, revitalization, maintenance, and growth. The Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance is the principal tool used to regulate land uses and development standards. Produces many maps, development lists, reports, and presentations for the public. - Responsible for implementing the City's housing goals, advancing infrastructure projects, building permits, protecting environmental quality, and fostering partnerships to improve access to community services. Public Works - Includes maintenance of all public parks, properties, and facilities, city streets, sanitary sewer services, stormwater, water treatment, and distribution - Recycling and garbage information: Buckingham Companies; visit website for recycling information - Medication disposal: Drop-off box in the lobby of the Jordan Police Department for residents to dispose of prescription and over-the-counter medicines anonymously.

Helps people develop skills and knowledge to improve their lives and communities. Offers a variety of programs for learners of all ages. Class offerings include adult basic education, business courses, GED prep courses, gymnastics, sports and recreational activities, writing classes, and more.

Flexible, non-traditional business lending and technical support for new and existing businesses in the service area, including the Northland Foundation business loan program and Northland Small Business Development Center support

Koochco is a private, non-profit gap financing agency. Koochco's loans are meant to create and maintain permanent employment through the establishment of new businesses or the expansion of existing businesses in Koochiching County. To be eligible for this program, the business must be located within Koochiching County.

The program supports early childhood educators including family child care providers, child care centers, and preschools to improve the quality of care they provide. Programs include: - Child Care Wayfinder, a one-stop navigation network for starting and growing child care programs. Navigators offer personalized support and resources. - Parent Aware recruitment to enroll childhood educators. Once enrolled, childhood educators are provided with parent-aware coaching, quality rating, and support. - Professional development and workforce advising for individuals interested in early childhood knowledge and/or attaining a college degree in the field - Professional training for childhood educators to meet licensing requirements - Regional grants available to licensed child care programs each year starting September 1 through 25th - Start-up grants on an ongoing basis depending on funding

Mayor and City Council Members: Member contact information City Administration: (507)934-0663 - City codes, city attorney, city council, city general information, elections, and public records Building: (507)934-0662 - Issues permits and conducts inspections to enforce state building code and city ordinance - Provides rental licenses and rental inspections - Regulates building, mechanical, plumbing, demolition of structures, and manufactured housing Community Development: (507)934-0661 - Directs the economic development and planning and zoning efforts for the city - Provides revolving loan accounts and supports industrial, commercial, and residential development. Finance and Utility: (507)934-0664 - Includes accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, financial reporting, insurance, investments, and more. - Provides weekly trash collection and biweekly recycling service Public Works: (507)934-0670 - Includes electric, environmental services, parks, streets, stormwater, water

Provides gap financing programs to assist businesses and start-ups

Mayor and City Council Members: - Member contact information City Departments: - Administration/Media Contact/City Clerk: Election and voting information including voter registration - Business Development and Finance: Offers a Revolving Fund Loan Program where business owners can apply for up to $75,000. Funds may be used for land, building, or renovation costs along with equipment and machinery purchases for qualified borrowers - Planning and Zoning Department: Oversees planning and development in the city and reviews applications and petitions to ensure compliance with zoning and land use regulations. Responsible for processing new construction and minor building permit applications and overseeing the licensing of rental dwellings. Building code questions should be directed to the building inspector (952)442-7520. - Public Services: Maintains and repairs city streets and alleys, storm sewers, public property, and city equipment, and coordinates the maintenance/replacement of street lights. Duties include street and alley repair, seal coating, street sweeping, snow and ice control, and traffic sign maintenance. Intake Phone: (952)442-2615; Address: 310 10th East Street; E-mail: [email protected]; Hours: 7 am - 3:30 pm Monday - Friday - Public Utilities Department: Consists of water and sanitary sewer utilities. Operates and maintains public water supply system including the water treatment facility, hydrants, city wells and water storage facilities, and installation and maintenance of water meters; and wastewater collection system including lift stations - Utility Billing: Water and sewer billing department. Intake Phone: (952)442-3107; E-mail: [email protected] - Receptacle for citizens to dispose of unwanted medications. Citizens should remove their name and personal information from the medication container, but leave the name of the medication on the container. Medications should be left in their original container.

Educational Program - Programs provided by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs to help with business skills, connections, and potential growth, including workshops and training. For current programs, click here Loans and Advising - Loans with no-cost advising. Loans offered: - City of Cook Economic Recovery Fund: Loan for local business in the city of Cook who are recovering from the summer 2024 flood - Gap Financing: Loan covers the "gap" between various sources of funding and the total cost of the project. Used for commercial real estate projects, such as mortgage or major renovation and has more flexibility than traditional lenders - Healthy Food Fund: Specialized loan for local food retailers and producers that helps with replacing dated equipment, investing in technology, expanding business, purchasing inventory, hiring staff, updating building, purchasing new or existing store, and more - SBA Microloan: Start up loan for working capital, inventory, or equipment purchase - Working Capital Loan: Loan provides access to cash for various projects and investments such as marketing campaigns, purchased inventory, upgrade equipment, or expand business operation.