Aurora · Biwabik · Hoyt Lakes · Town of White
East Range
Joint Powers Board
Since 1984, four communities working as one to grow business, strengthen neighborhoods, and welcome visitors to Minnesota's Iron Range.
Vision & mission
Vision: The region to live, work, and play.
Mission: To improve the lives of our residents by fostering collaboration among East Range communities.
Core values
We are…
Collaborative
We build bridges across the four communities and promote comprehensive solutions for us all with local and regional partners.
Supportive
We share resources across our communities and acknowledge the success of one community brings benefits to the entire area.
Trusting
We build deep relationships with one another and believe our tight-knit networks are the foundations for the future of the East Range.
Responsive
We recognize the voices of community members and adapt our efforts to address our most urgent needs and challenges.
You are hereEast Range, MN
For businesses & developers
Grow Here
Capital, sites, and workforce support for anyone building a business on the East Range.
Most East Range businesses start with the Participation Loan Program below — everything else here is available if you need it.
Participation Loan Program for Businesses
East Range Joint Powers Board financing that partners with local lenders to help East Range businesses start, expand, or relocate.
Seller Readiness Rehabilitation Program
Support for home sellers preparing East Range properties for sale — part of the region's broader housing effort.
Funding & financing partners
ARDC Revolving Loan Fund
Entrepreneur Fund
Northland Foundation
Great River Energy
Small business development center
Northland SBDC
Serving Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis counties. Consultants help anyone start, manage, or grow a business — at no cost.
Vicki Hagberg
Katherine Lahti
Area banks
First National Bank of Gilbert
Hoyt Lakes Branch, 207 Kennedy Memorial Dr · (218) 225-1100
Workforce development, retention & attraction
DAWN MN — Driving Access to Wealth & Networks
DAWN contributes to regional resilience by:
- Creating a supportive ecosystem for our entrepreneurial community.
- Helping businesses navigate property development.
- Enhancing employer & workforce readiness.
- Cultivating inclusive environments.
NORTHFORCE
Connects career-minded people with employers across northeast Minnesota & northwest Wisconsin.
For residents & neighbors
Live Here
Four communities, one board — meet the people and places that make the East Range home.
Board members
Community life
Healthcare
Education
Mesabi East Public School District #2711
Home of the Giants — 405.3 square miles across Aurora, Hoyt Lakes, and Biwabik, serving roughly 8,000 residents.
Minnesota North College
Five Northeast Minnesota community colleges — Vermilion, Hibbing, Itasca, Mesabi, and Rainy River — right in the region's backyard.
For visitors
Visit Here
Lakes, trails, and small towns with big character — start exploring Minnesota's East Range.
Interactive East Range Trail Maps
Plan a route before you go — hiking, biking, and ATV trails across the four communities.
Hello Iron Range
Moving to the Iron Range, or considering it? Start your journey exploring what the region has to offer.
Discover the Range
“In any season, explore a collection of small towns that embrace the best of Minnesota — golf at sunrise, local music in the park at dusk, snowshoeing under a full moon, ATV trails all day long.”
Shop the East Range
Four towns, one Main Street spirit — find local shops, restaurants, and things to do across Aurora, Biwabik, Hoyt Lakes, and the Town of White.
Get in touch
Contact & Staff
The Northspan Group, Inc. has served as ERJPB's staff consultant team since October 2018, providing regional planning, grant writing, redevelopment planning, and strategic facilitation for the four communities.
