The Crookston Housing & Economic Development Authority met on Tuesday, May 25, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. at Valley Technology Park.
During the EDA/Community Development Report, Crookston Community Development Director Karie Kirschbaum spoke on some happenings within the EDA. “We are excited; we were awarded the Active Transportation Planning Assistant Grant, a $100,000 award,” says Kirschbaum. “It gives us a MnDOT Consultant to come in. They will come through and look at all of our sidewalks, roads, connectivity, and safety, and devise a master plan.”
The Local Climate Action Grant award was another positive topic from the EDA. “That has to do with weatherization, energy efficiency, and working with the community to tell them what rebates are out there,” says Kirschbaum. “It was awarded. This is a state grant that comes through the MN Pollution Control Agency. It’s been a lot of fun for all who work in community development.” The Local Climate Action Grant was awarded to the Crookston Housing & EDA in the amount of $49,500, and EDA staff are working with their MN PCA project manager on the next steps.
Kirshbaum also says that the Local Housing Trust Fund Grand Program has recommended awarding $150,000 to the City of Crookston Housing and Economic Development Authority. This is a matching funds grant. “It looks like they are recommending that they give us $150,000 from the Local Housing Trust Fund,” says Kirschbaum. “That $150,000 will come from the Community Development Fund. That will put that account down to around $30,000. We have some childcare funds still set aside in that, and we will probably have around $10,000 left in that particular fund once we get that done.” Funds from this grant will be used to support grants for a 15-22 unit townhome development on land owned by the city behind Casey’s. The project will begin upon grant execution.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the board revisited the topic of Clarification of the organization’s Structure of the Housing Director and HRA. The subject was tabled to gather information and will be brought up again at a future meeting. “It came up a couple of months ago, and they have been going back and forth, and when they wrote the job description for Community Development Director, historically it has always also been over Public Housing and Section 8,” says Kirschbaum. “They are looking at that. There are wheels turning behind the scenes, and I don’t have all the answers, but I have great confidence that my board is strong, and I also have great confidence in the City Council.”
A few other main agenda items from Tuesday. The board unanimously approved the Resignation of Board President Tim Menard. Menard resigned due to health issues, and the board wished him all the best. With this, the board is awaiting word from Mayor Dale Stainbrook on who he will appoint as a new board member, as two members must be current City Council members. Right now, the board only consists of one council member, Morgan Hibma.
Kirschbaum provided an update on the Wojo Rodeo, a much-anticipated event in the community. She shared that, unfortunately, the rodeo may not take place this summer as originally planned. “There was a shift within the city, and they no longer felt comfortable hosting or partnering with us due to insurance concerns,” she explained. Despite this setback, conversations with Wojo Rodeo’s owners have been positive, and they remain cautiously optimistic about working directly with the community to bring the rodeo to Crookston this September.
Kirschbaum extended heartfelt thanks to everyone who has offered land, equipment, and financial sponsorships, noting that this continued support is invaluable and encouraging, even as plans remain uncertain.
There is much work ahead for the Crookston Housing and Economic Development Authority, and they will do it without their leader this summer. “I’m going to be out for about six to eight weeks. I’ve had a really great life, and I’ve run a lot, played tournament softball, rode horses, and wrecked every joint that I own,” says Kirschbaum. “I am about to get my knee replaced, so I will be out for most of the summer. I will be back in August sometime.”
In Kirschbaum’s absence, acting Board President Josh Knaack was approved to sign grant agreements and contracts. The next Crookston Housing and Economic Development Authority meeting will be on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. at Valley Technology Park.
