ARDC Planning

05/21/2026

ARDC Planning staff members were able to join the ribbon cutting event in Silver Bay for the new multi-modal trail center. This new building features a large meeting room space, a kitchen with a pass-through window into the meeting room for serving food during meetings and events, and an accessible bathroom on the upper floor. The upper floor also features a window that can be used for walk-up concessions for events when most people will be outside and there is food served from indoors.

On the lower level, there is a bank of lockers, several individual accessible bathrooms, and several individual shower rooms with coin-operated showers. The lower floor will be open 24 hours!

Access between the two levels necessitates using a concrete path that is built to ADA standards. The grassy knoll inside the new path connecting the levels is hoped to one-day house a playground!

This building is being powered by onsite solar panels! There are three EV charging stations onsite maintained by Minnesota Power.

During the speeches we heard a lot of why a facility like this is good for the community of Silver Bay and to all it's visitors. The site will connect trail users of the Minnesota State Parks and Trails' Gitchi-Gami State Trail for walking biking and rolling; the ATV/Snowmobile trails; cross country ski trails; and provide an area for folks using the nearby Superior Hiking Trail as well. The area also includes parking for trail users of all modes.

Thanks were given to those who had the idea, contributed comments, helped supply support for grant applications, helped secure grants and state and local funding, and to those who helped design, engineer, and construct this facility that will serve the community and serve as an economic driver. Shoutouts were given to Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, to the past and present legislators, to Northshore Mining, and to Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation and so many more!

Here are a few pictures we took at the event-- hope you'll check out this great resource the next time you are spending time on the North Shore!

ARDC Planning is a division of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission.

Lovin' Lake County, MN

05/19/2026

As part of the Arrowhead Regional Transportation Coordinating Council, ARDC staff are working with the Center for Transportation Studies - University of Minnesota to better understand how transportation gaps affect access to health care. The attached article by University of Minnesota Duluth Professor David Beard highlights progress so far, which includes holding roundtables, provider input, and interviews and focus groups across the region.

Read the article here:
https://www.mnphy.com/0426-cover-one--non-emergency-medical-transportation-a-hidden-variable-in-patient-care-david-beard?fbclid=IwY2xjawRs5CZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeQ9Y-5tQTwJ4AVcu4C-H0yIz-I2sYMkMXINFRXSNNBIuw732ZFV6dhD6y-wg_aem_SXzvNr8ZyKX9JU34MV5dbA

To learn more about the work of the Arrowhead Regional Transportation Coordinating Council, visit our website at: https://www.arrowheadrtcc.org/

ARDC Planning is a Division of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission.

Advice for identifying and responding to a growing crisis in medical care, – getting to and from health care appointments – especially for those without cars.

05/05/2026

Do you live in northeast Minnesota? We'd love to hear from you!

The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) is developing a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) to guide regional priorities and investments.
Building on recent community engagement across the region, we’re seeking broader input to validate what we’ve heard and ensure we haven’t missed important perspectives.

We invite you to take a brief survey (5–7 minutes) to share your insights:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ARDC_CEDS
Your input will help:
• Confirm the most pressing challenges facing communities
• Prioritize key areas of focus for the region
• Identify additional ideas and opportunities

Please feel free to share this survey with others in our region!

The survey will remain open through May 8, 2026.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your perspective—your input will directly inform the region’s economic development strategy.

ARDC Planning is a Division of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission.

04/22/2026

Check out some 🌎 friendly policies here at ARDC as we celebrate Earth Day!!

ARDC Planning is a Division of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission.

04/17/2026

ARDC Planning's Climate Resilience Planner Deanna Geelhoed was recently interviewed on WTIP North Shore Community Radio to discuss the work of the Northland Climate Resilience Collaborative as the partners kick off their second year of work!

Deanna was joined by Cook County, Minnesota's Soil and Water Conservation District's Stephan Janasie where they highlighted the importance of relationship building between the many member organizations of the collaborative, and the refining of the collaborative's priority areas of focus under the lens and umbrella of tribal sovereignty inour region. The focus areas include:

🩺Community health and well-being
🌲Northern forest resilience
💦Flooding, storm water, and erosion
🚧Critical Infrastructure
⚡Energy sovereignty

Geelhoed and Janasie also highlighted a public listening session that is coming up on April 21st at the Grand Marais Art Colony's Studio 21 from 5pm-7:30pm. The event includes a dinner and conversation and they notes everyone is welcome, citing the importance and value of the knowledge and experience of community members to influence this work.

Read the article and listen to the interview here: https://wtip.org/in-its-second-year-northland-climate-resilience-collaborative-aims-to-increase-public-engagement/

Visit the Collaborative's website here where you can see all the partners in this collaborative work:
https://northlandresilience.org/

Thanks to the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Cook County, Minnesota, Grand Marais, and Visit Cook County MN for helping spread the news about the event on April 21st!

The Northland Climate Resilience Collaborative began in 2025 with grant funds from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for a four-year project. The aim is to connect organizations working in the Arrowhead region of Minnesota to identify climate change-related challenges and draft way...

04/10/2026

Big thanks to Lake County Press for sharing the news about ARDC's work alongside partners from the University of Minnesota Extension and Minnesota Rural Health Association through our Regional Transportation Coordinating Council. This work focuses on studying the impacts of lack of access to non-emergency medical transportation in our region.

If you would be willing to share your story and insights with this team, you may find the survey link here: http://z.umn.edu/ardc

And find the link to the story in the Lake County Press here: https://www.lakecountypress.news/

University of Minnesota Duluth

ARDC Planning is a Division of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission

03/31/2026

The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC), a multijurisdictional planning agency covering seven counties in northeast Minnesota located in Duluth, MN, has a full-time, 40 hours/week, Planner opening.

ARDC Planners develop, write, or assist in coordinating transportation, land use, recreation and community development plans, as well as coordinating GIS mapping projects in the seven county Arrowhead Region of Minnesota. Planners provide technical assistance, and plan and present information at meetings, for local units of government, committees, subcommittees, other special groups, Boards and/or ARDC Commission.

Duluth, located on the shores of Lake Superior, offers many outdoor attractions including biking, hiking, skiing and more, along with vibrant arts and culture.

REQUIREMENTS:
▪️ A Bachelor’s degree in a planning related field with two years of pertinent experience; OR
▪️ A two-year degree with at least four years of pertinent experience; OR
▪️ A Master’s degree in a planning related field;
▪️ OR six years of pertinent experience.
▪️ Other: A valid driver’s license is required.

*Salary: $25.45-$29.00/hour (*based on experience)

ARDC offers a competitive benefits package that includes a retirement plan, health insurance, dental, and life insurance, paid time off, MN Paid Family & Medical Leave, 11 paid holidays and more.

Hours: 40 hours/week, Monday through Friday.

Location: Duluth, MN. (Work from home options may be made available in a hybrid model but employees are required to demonstrate successful performance.)

Candidates may reside in Carlton, Douglas, Lake or St. Louis counties to be considered.

For complete descriptions, visit: https://ardc.org/careers/. Candidates must follow the “Application Instructions” listed on ARDC’s website to be considered.

Deadline to apply: April 29, 2026

ARDC Planning is a Division of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission.

03/19/2026

Arrowhead Regional Development Commission is hiring!

The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission, located in Duluth, MN, has two exciting career opportunities available.

For more information and how to apply, please see below:

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Job Summary: The Executive Director serves as the chief administrative officer of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC), leading strategic and operational efforts across its seven-county northeastern Minnesota region. The position oversees fiscal, personnel, and administrative functions and ensures effective implementation of Commission-approved policies and programs.

View the full position profile and learn how to apply at https://www.ddahumanresources.com/active-searches.

and

FINANCE DIRECTOR
Job Summary: The Finance Director provides leadership for ARDC’s financial operations and long-term fiscal health. Reporting to the Executive Director, the position oversees accounting operations, budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, internal controls, and regulatory compliance while leading the finance team. The role also prepares financial analyses, supports audit activities, reviews financial components of contracts and resolutions, and provides strategic financial guidance to leadership.

View the full position profile and learn how to apply at https://www.ddahumanresources.com/active-searches.

Application Deadline: April 12, 2026

Finalists will be selected on April 17, 2026, and final interviews will be held on April 24 and 27, 2026.

Please direct any questions to Liza Donabauer at [email protected] or 612-920-3320 x111.

The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) is comprised of three divisions: Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging , ARDC Planning, and Duluth-Superior Metropolitan Interstate Council.

03/05/2026

Minnesota Department of Transportation is hosting an Open House next week on March 12th, 2026 in Carlton, Minnesota to look at the Highways 45/210 Corridor Study!

The Open House will be held at at the Carlton Fire and Ambulance building (100 Fourth St., Carlton, MN 55718) to share information about the Highway 45/210 Corridor Study and gather public feedback ahead of two resurfacing projects tentatively planned for 2035.

• 4:30–5:30 p.m. - Businesses and freight users are invited to discuss how they use the corridor.

• 5:30 p.m. - Public open house. MnDOT staff and consultants will answer questions and gather public feedback. A brief presentation begins at 5:45 p.m.

The study aims to develop a shared vision and guidance for improving safety and efficiency for all users of the Highway 45 and Highway 210 corridors. More information is available at: https://talk.dot.state.mn.us/highway-45-and-highway-210-corridor-study.

ARDC Planning staff worked alongside community members on a recent City of Carlton Transportation Plan which will help inform this new corridor study. You can find the plan document from that process here: https://ardcplanning.org/carltontransportationplan/

Carlton County, MN - Government City of Carlton, MN Northeast SHIP

Minnesota Department of Transportation road and travel information, construction projects, regional offices, bid letting, future highway plans, hot topics, jobs, library, map sales, news, public meetings, research and related links.

02/17/2026

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has announced grant opportunities meant to help expand childcare opportunities across our state. Thanks to Southwest Regional Development Commission for highlighting the details below, including a virtual information session taking place on Thursday, February 17th!

ARDC Planning is a division of the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission.