In 2026, Northspan will wrap up its eighth year of working with ERJPB. Our collaboration has been full of dynamic projects along with many insights and lessons learned along the way. So we’re taking this time to reflect on the past eight years as well as what the future of economic development could look like for the East Range.
Highlights from 2018-2026
Strategic planning: A methodical approach to strategic planning has guided our work and resulted in efforts like expanding broadband access and addressing shortages in housing and child care. The most recent strategic plan was a three-year plan created in 2023. We’ve checked off boxes listed in the plan, while also staying available to discuss additional ideas as they arose from the community.
East Range Participation Loan Fund: We revived this regional loan and recapitalized the program twice, more than quadrupling the available funds. It awarded Covid-19 relief grants to six businesses in Aurora and two in Hoyt Lakes. Additionally it provided seven business loans: one in Biwabik, one in Hoyt Lakes, one in the Town of White, and four in Aurora. Further applications are being accepted with two currently in progress as of June 2026.
Business visits: Rounds of business visits took place first in 2019, then in 2022-23, and most recently in 2025. Northspan consultants met with multiple businesses in each community to learn more about their goals, challenges, and visions. This model allowed us to assess the current reality and provide aggregate feedback to inform policy decisions and improve the business climate.
Marketing the region: We helped amplify the marketing of prime development sites and supported efforts to prepare sites such as the Laskin Energy Park when it was being marketed. The ERJPB marketing committee also formed to create a unified brand for the East Range and developed strategies to raise the profile of the area, attract visitors, and connect locals.
Gap support: Regular meeting facilitation for city and town clerks and administrators, successful grant applications, and free DAWN programming for East Range businesses and entrepreneurs are several examples from the strategic gap services and other forms of administrative support we’ve provided through the years.
Key learnings, takeaways, and perspectives
Economic development has changed substantially over the years. Challenges like Northeast Minnesota’s limited labor supply and distance from major transportation networks, coupled with the state’s overall business recruitment climate, make it very difficult to bring new businesses to the area.
The long-term outlook for the region as a whole depends on multiple pieces coming together. Priorities include broadband, housing, child care, and marketing the qualities that make the region an attractive place to live.
Data and research also indicates that recruiting people, supporting entrepreneurs, and helping businesses grow are by far the most successful strategies for job creation, business retention, and economic health.
Setting a foundation for the region to thrive
The East Range is the envy of other communities that do not have the same structure for cooperatio
ERJPB helps create a regional mindset and culture that has allowed for numerous successful collaborations. These have led to significant improvements in the face of challenges like limited population growth, tight local budgets and tax bases, and a lack of investment from the state and national level
Many efforts of the last eight years would never be possible if individual East Range communities operated on their own. We’re grateful to have been part of the process, and look forward to seeing what’s next for the East Range.
