In 2026, we restarted quarterly meetings with city administrators from across the East Range. 

These meetings began as part of the 2023-2026 East Range Strategic Plan. After a brief pause during a period of staff transitions, they resumed in 2026. Facilitated by ERJPB’s Northspan consultant, Ali Bilden Camps, the meetings give administrators a chance to get together, hear what’s happening in neighboring communities, and talk about some of the things they’re working on. 

A few areas of focus include: 

  • Upcoming projects and events
  • Grant opportunities
  • Challenges communities are facing
  • Resources or information that might be helpful to others

“We’ve found that if one city is dealing with an issue, there’s a pretty good chance another community has dealt with it too—or has an idea, contact, or resource that can help,” shared Ali. 

The meetings also help the communities keep an eye out for opportunities to work together. 

“Each of the East Range communities have their own priorities, but they share many of the same concerns around housing, workforce, infrastructure, economic development, and funding,” added Ali. “It makes sense to have a regular way to talk about those things across city lines.” 

The meetings are also a way to keep the communities connected. They give the city administrators an opportunity a few times each year to sit down with their counterparts, share what’s going on, ask questions, and see where there might be an opportunity to help each other out.

We’re glad to have these conversations happening again and look forward to keeping them going in 2027. 

For more information, you can contact Ali at acamps@northspan.org or (218) 481-7737.