GREDA to Plan Revitalization of Highway 2 Corridor in Grand Rapids With Blandin Foundation Grant
$114,720 grant to use community-driven planning to strengthen Grand Rapids as a regional hub and improve infrastructure, safety and economic opportunity
Key Points:
- Boost Regional Revitalization: Blandin awarded $114,720 to the Grand Rapids Economic Development Authority (GREDA) to revitalize the Highway 2 corridor with MNDOT, improving infrastructure, safety and economic development.
- Strategic Community Alignment: This initiative aligns with the Foundation’s priorities of community wealth building, rural placemaking and capacity building.
- Strong Hubs and Spokes = Strong Region: As a regional center for government, industry, health care and commerce, Grand Rapids serves as a vital hub for Itasca County. Strengthening the Highway 2 corridor reinforces the interconnectedness that drives regional growth.
- Collaborative and Inclusive Planning: The project emphasizes public engagement, comprehensive assessments, redevelopment strategies and actionable steps to transform the corridor into a vibrant and welcoming space for residents, businesses and visitors.
Grand Rapids, MN – January 30, 2025
The Blandin Foundation has awarded a $114,720 grant to the Grand Rapids Economic Development Authority (GREDA) to drive regional growth and revitalization along the local Highway 2 (TH2) corridor from 5th Ave. East to 17th Ave. West. This initiative aligns with the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to its local giving area and its strategic priorities of community wealth building, rural placemaking and capacity building.
The grant will fund the development of a plan in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MNDOT) TH2 corridor study. GREDA, working with planning firm Bolton and Menk, will tackle challenges such as aging infrastructure, environmental concerns and underutilized spaces while promoting visual appeal, pedestrian safety, traffic flow and economic opportunity.
“This grant reflects the Blandin Foundation’s commitment to listening to the challenges faced by our neighbors and funding leaders taking action to support solutions,” said Tuleah Palmer, President and CEO of the Blandin Foundation. “As local residents navigate the pressures of inflation and economic shifts, it’s clear that we need coordinated, innovative approaches to strengthen Grand Rapids and the surrounding region. This project is an opportunity to bring people together, rethink how we use our main highway corridor and create a future that is not only sustainable but also prosperous for everyone.”
Key components of the plan include:
- Community Engagement: Ensuring inclusivity through public open houses, surveys, stakeholder meetings and guided tours.
- Assessment of Existing Conditions: Analyzing the corridor’s physical, economic and cultural characteristics to inform future planning.
- Vision Alternatives: Creating redevelopment concepts that enhance connectivity, land use and public spaces.
- Implementation Roadmap: Providing actionable steps for redevelopment and long-term growth.
“The Highway 2 corridor is not just a Grand Rapids project; it’s a regional effort to ensure economic vitality and quality of life across communities,” said Rob Mattei, Executive Director of GREDA. “The Blandin Foundation’s support allows us to address these challenges and opportunities with the collaboration and resources they deserve.”
Strong Hubs and Spokes
Regional hubs in rural areas support the needs of many surrounding residents, requiring a sturdy transportation and community infrastructure as many people outside the city limits rely on anchor institutions in the hub community. As the County Seat for Itasca County, Grand Rapids is the regional center for government, industry, health care, cultural, recreational and shopping activity.
National research from the St. Louis Federal Reserve Board shows that rural counties face challenges their urban counterparts often do not, including fewer economic development and land-use planning resources. But with thoughtful planning and collaboration, regional hubs can position themselves for long-term success.
“In addition to giving area residents a clear voice in revitalizing a part of the community outside of downtown, we have the opportunity to become a model for regional investment and community pride,” said Kyle Erickson, Director of Rural Grantmaking for the Blandin Foundation. “When the hub is strong, the spokes are strong – and the entire area benefits.”
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