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

Down Payment Assistance Program This is only for existing buildings, not for a person building a new home. It also does not apply to mobile homes. The home must be within the city limits of Gaylord. The economic authority accepts applications on a monthly basis and the board approves them once a month. Business Loans: Revolving loan fund information for homes and businesses. The Economic Development Authority (EDA) advises the city council regarding economic development, housing, and redevelopment matters, and exercises certain powers as authorized by the council.

The program provides financial backing for rural businesses. Provides loans with the following requirements: - Applications from lenders for businesses - For rural areas or in communities of under 50,000 population only - Funds can help finance businesses, expand business, repair, modernize, develop land, purchase equipment, machinery, supplies, inventory, refinance under certain conditions, or prevent businesses from closing - Lender furnishes funding

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

Helps families find child care, supports the professional growth of childcare providers, and informs local communities on the importance of quality early education for every child. Business and Community Services: - Caregiver support services - Identification of community needs - Information and workshops on childcare issues Services to Child Care Providers: - Grants - Provide training - Resource materials - Technical assistance in becoming a licensed caregiver Services to Parents: - Helps families find childcare - Information about licensing regulations - Information about special child care including sick child care, crisis nurseries, and social service agencies

- 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

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.

Offers low-income individuals who are interested in opening a small business start-up or need an expansion loan. The program includes: - Child care provider business start-up or expansion loans up to $3000 - Focus on women and minority-owned businesses is encouraged to apply - Small business start-up or expansion loan of $25,000 - Repayment terms are reasonable and flexible

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.

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

Services include: - Job creation through loans and grants - Loans to businesses and entrepreneurs in the region - Support community organizations, schools, hospitals, city and county government through grants - Establish endowment funds to support Northwest Minnesota communities in the future - Support new businesses and expanded existing businesses - Train community leaders - A center for local philanthropy where committed citizens can make a difference for their communities and neighbors by financially responding to changing human and economic needs - Nonprofit management and organizational effectiveness training - Early Childhood initiative - Youth leadership training

Provides financial assistance and education to help develop businesses with services including: - Business development training workshop - Business loans: 6-step program that provides financial education and a business loan - Consulting services - Financial coaching and consulting - Legal advice

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

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

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 - Jim Benning; Director of Public Works and Utilities; (218)730-5105; [email protected]?

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

- Business recruitment - Downtown development - Financial Assistance: Operates two grant programs and two revolving loan funds having more than 1.3 million in assets to provide "gap" financing for qualified business projects. Other financial resources are also available. - Technical assistance

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.

Offers low-income individuals who are interested in opening a small business start-up or need an expansion loan. The program includes: - Child care provider business start-up or expansion loans up to $3000 - Focus on women and minority-owned businesses is encouraged to apply - Small business start-up or expansion loan of $25,000 - Repayment terms are reasonable and flexible

Commercial Facade Program: Assistance will be provided to eligible applicants for the rehab/improvement of commercial facades. Grant 50% match - maximum $5,000.00 Exterior Business Paint Program: Maximum grant is $100.00. Must purchase paint in Fairfax Commercial Rehab Program: Maximum $20,000.00 with flexible terms

Mayor and City Council Member Contact Information Administration: - City Administrator/Clerk: works as planning and zoning administrator and administers city elections - City Bookkeeper handles the city's monthly water and sewer billings Economic Development Authority: - Primary focus includes promotion and attraction of new and expanding business and industry throughout the region - Seeks to utilize economic tools and incentives to spur development and enhance business climate. Offers a Revolving Loan Fund, Tax Increment Financing, Minnesota's JOBZ tax incentive program, and assistance in obtaining state, federal and business financial loans or grants. Streets/Parks: - Responsible for maintenance of city roadways and alleys and snow removal - Lions Park - West Park - Boat landing and city swimming beach Water: - Responsible for water treatment plant operation, sewer treatment plant operation, and also maintenance, testing and record keeping

Mayor and City Council Members: Member Contact Information Building Inspection Department - Responsible for issuing building, plumbing, mechanical and fence permits, as well as schedules and conducts inspections Economic Development - Helps with the development of new businesses and properties throughout the City (952)227-7529 - Helps retain and redevelop businesses - Helps restore blighted properties and downtown historic buildings by encouraging redevelopment activities - Storefront Redevelopment Loan helps downtown historic business owners with the upgrade of their buildings Engineering Department - Manages issues related to lot grading, overland drainage, street signage, wetland management, development reviews, utility system review, and construction inspection Fire Marshal - Conducts fire extinguisher training for area businesses, fire safety education, and fire investigations (952)448-2990 Municipal Services - Offers energy efficiency rebates to residents and businesses who pay their electric bill to the City of Chaska http://www.mmpa.org/our-Communities/Chaska.aspx. Planning Department - Maintains the City's Comprehensive Plan, which establishes overall goals and policies for community development, revitalization, maintenance and growth. The Zoning Ordinance is the principal tool used to regulate land uses and development standards. Produces many maps, development lists, reports and presentations for the public. Provides sign permits. Public Works - Provides street and alley maintenance, street cleaning, snow removal, storm sewer and flood control maintenance, Civil Defense warning system maintenance, sign maintenance, and construction inspection services. To report potholes or storm damaged trees, or for any other street maintenance concerns, call (952)448-4335 Water and Sewer - Responsible for water treatment and distribution for the city. If residents experience a sewer backup, they should contact the Sewer Department before calling their plumber. If a resident's sewer backs up only after they have run water, the problem is most likely in resident's system, and they will need to call a plumber. Call (952)448-4335 office hours are 7 am - 3:30 Monday - Friday. After hour and weekend calls will be directed to dispatch.

Mayor and City Council Members: - Member contact information City Departments: - Administration: Staff prepare council packets; coordinate local election functions, issue dog licenses, fireworks permits, charitable gambling permits, beer/liquor licenses, and tobacco licenses, oversee communication, Human Resources, IT, and building maintenance functions - Building Safety Department: Handles issues on building permits and conducts inspections for compliance with City, State, and National building codes. - Engineering Department: Responsible for designing and managing street and utility reconstruction projects, review of new development street and utility construction, erosion control inspections, issuing permits of construction within the street right of way and easements, infrastructure, and record keeping. - Finance: Processes water and sewer bill utility payments - Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority (HEDRA): Offers assistance programs for rehabilitation, redevelopment, and industrial development - Planning and Zoning: Responsible for site plan review, subdivisions and platting, zoning, variances, sign permits, heritage preservation, economic development, and redevelopment activities - Public Works Center: Maintenance Department is responsible for operating and maintaining the City's infrastructure, including streets, snow plowing, street cleaning, storm sewer, pond basins, decorative street lighting, street signage and pavement markings, water system, wastewater system, and the City's hydroelectric facility.

- Aging services - Bicycle safety education - Community development - Community visioning - Hazard mitigation planning - GIS/mapping - Grant writing - Hazard mitigation planning - Land use planning - Pedestrian and bicyclist counting - Recreation planning - Revolving loan fund (loans to businesses and non-profit organizations) - Senior LinkAge Line - Strategic planning - Transportation planning

- 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