University of Minnesota’s big support for small towns

Minnesota’s small towns are home to some of the state’s most beloved gems. Along with breathtaking and subtly beautiful landscapes, friendly faces, and a strong sense of place, lower-population areas can also have limited resources.

That’s where the University of Minnesota’s Empowering Small Minnesota Communities initiative comes in.

Harnessing expertise from across the University of Minnesota, ESMC brings together the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships, Center for Transportation Studies, Minnesota Design Center, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and Center for Urban and Regional Affairs. Since launching in early 2024, 75 Minnesota communities have benefited.