Category Archives: economic development

EVENT Aug 6: Innovate with AI in Red Wing

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This is billed at a Hackathon 2.0, happening in Red Wing so I can’t resist sharing it…

Hosted by: IgniteMNRed Wing, MN

From problem to prototype in 120 minutes

Join us for a fast-paced, hands-on innovation sprint where you’ll learn how to combine AI, design thinking, visual communication, and rapid prototyping to transform ideas into actionable solutions—in just two hours.

Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, educator, professional, or simply someone who loves solving problems, this workshop will help you move from inspiration to implementation faster than you thought possible.

During this interactive session, you’ll:

✅ Identify meaningful problems worth solving
✅ Use AI to accelerate brainstorming and idea generation
✅ Apply design thinking techniques to refine solutions
✅ Create visual concepts and prototypes without coding
✅ Test and improve your ideas through rapid feedback
✅ Leave with a tangible concept you can continue developing

This isn’t a lecture. It’s a workshop designed to get you building.

No technical background is required. No coding experience is needed. Just bring your curiosity, creativity, and willingness to experiment.

By the end of the session, you’ll have a better understanding of how AI can serve as a creative partner in innovation—and you’ll walk away with a prototype, action plan, or concept ready for the next step.

Who Should Attend?

  • Entrepreneurs and startup founders
  • Small business owners
  • Nonprofit leaders and staff
  • Community builders
  • Educators and students
  • Innovators and problem-solvers
  • Anyone curious about practical uses of AI

What to Bring

  • A challenge, problem, or idea you’d like to explore
  • A laptop (recommended)
  • An open mind

The future belongs to people who can identify problems, leverage technology, and turn ideas into action. Come build something!

 

What can community planers looking at data center planners can learn from old nuclear plants?

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The Daily Yonder published a commentary comparing the potential closures of data centers with nuclear power plants. The author has worked with host communities in planning for and managing the impacts of nuclear plant closures as well as with developers who site large-scale energy infrastructure projects grounded in durable community partnerships. So he has a unique perspective. I appreciate the very long term look at how such large projects can impact a community…

Across the United States, communities are evaluating whether to host a new generation of infrastructure: hyperscale data centers. These projects are often framed as low-impact, high-value opportunities: quiet neighbors that promise reliable tax revenue, infrastructure upgrades, and a foothold in the digital future. They are being sold as clean, quiet, and high-tech.

But a critical blind spot remains in how potential host communities evaluate these facilities: what happens at the end of their lives?

The experience of communities that host nuclear power plants—documented in Socioeconomic Impacts from Nuclear Power Plant Closure and Decommissioning—offers a valuable framework for those who may consider hosting new digital infrastructure.

Here’s a view at the nuclear power plant experience…

The experience of nuclear plant host communities points to a clear conclusion: the consequences of closure are not hypothetical—they are predictable, repeatable, and, if unaddressed, can be deeply disruptive.

For potential data center host communities, the lesson is not to avoid development, but to plan deliberately for its full lifecycle—before the first shovel hits the ground. In that context, here are some practical considerations for potential host communities.

And fleshes out the following specific aspects…

  • Appreciate the Speed of Closure Decisions
  • Respond to Eliminated Tax Payments
  • Define and Complete Facility Decommissioning
  • Design for the Full Lifecycle

National Skills Coalition asks small manufacturers about their use of AI and technology

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National Skills Coalition reports…

Over the past year, National Skills Coalition has spoken with nearly 100 small and mid-sized businesses on topics related to skills and credentials. (Some of our findings are detailed in Big Insights from Small and Mid-Sized Businesses.)

Many of those businesses are manufacturing companies that are on the frontlines of digital adoption. They shared examples of how they are adopting new technologies ranging from robotics to precision machining to AI and more. These businesses offer an important ground-level perspective on a broader national challenge: how to ensure workers and local businesses have the skills, support, and flexibility needed to adapt to technological change and share in its gains.

Insights from these businesses can help policymakers and advocates design flexible policies that equip workers and their employers to respond to the ongoing technological shifts in the US economy. Below, we describe key insights and policy implications associated with them.

I’m abbreviating the list to include only the insights, not the ways in which policy can help…

Leading businesses know how digital skill-building relates to capital expenditures

General digital resilience is just as important as particular skills

Interpersonal skills can amplify (or undercut) digital skills

Hands-on, experiential learning matters for digital skills too

AI can help to expand existing internal talent development resources

Jobseekers and educators can do more to communicate the relevance of tech credentials

EVENT May 19 (today): BEAD Non-Deployment Funds Could Fund Precision Ag, and more from Fiber Connect byBroadband Breakfast

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From Broadband Breakfast…

Broadband Breakfast Live Online at Fiber Connect

Broadband Breakfast is planning to host online events at Fiber Connect from May 18-May 20 – on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Panelists

  • Rebecca Denman, President of Business Development, UniTek Global Services
  • Greg Bathrick,Area Vice President of Commercial Development, Calix
  • Donald Ray, Chief Development Officer, BAM Broadband
  • Lindsay Randazzo, Senior Director of Marketing, Innovative Systems
  • Anis Khemakhem, Chief Commercial Officer, Clearfield
  • Drew Clark (moderator), CEO and Publisher, Broadband Breakfast

Fiber Broadband says Precision Agriculture needs fiber

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Fiber Broadband Association releases a report that outlines the benefits of fiber for precision agriculture…

Precision Ag depends on data and broadband networks. Farming is transforming into a highly connected, data-driven industry and this shift fundamentally changes the broadband requirements of rural America.

Current 100/20 Mbps thresholds do not reflect these realities and risk prematurely classifying agricultural communities as “served,” but a symmetrical baseline of at least 100/100 Mbps better reflects the operational demands of Precision Ag today and the technologies emerging over the next decade. Among broadband technologies, fiber remains uniquely positioned to meet these requirements due to its symmetric capacity, extremely low latency, and virtually unlimited scalability.

To ensure U.S. agriculture remains competitive and resilient, broadband policy must evolve past minimum speed thresholds and “good enough” infrastructure to reflect the realities of data-driven farming. Investing in scalable fiber infrastructure ensures that rural America and the nation’s food supply remain competitive in a rapidly evolving agricultural economy.

It makes sense that the Fiber Broadband Association would feel that way. They also list some increased needs they predict will happen as a result of AI…

Practically, technology advancements and AI integration push networks toward the following requirements:
• More upstream throughput (moving raw/processed data to models)
• Lower-latency access (interactive recommendations and control)
• More reliability (automation cannot “pause” for a flaky link or bad weather)
• Edge computing architectures (local processing plus cloud synchronization)
• Scalability (more devices and higher data rates over time)
• Security (critical operational data, ransomware risks, supply chain access)

Should the data center conversation also include broadband expansion?

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An Op-Ed from Next City wonders why municipalities aren’t looking at broadband expansion as a talking point for data centers…

As data centers pop up across the country, communities are asking hard questions about their true value: megawatts of electricity used, gallons of water absorbed, tax abatements for developers, and the true number of jobs created.

The current debate positions data centers as a tradeoff between growth and strain, pitting economic development versus environmental and infrastructure impact.

These are important questions. They deserve scrutiny. But they are not the whole picture. …

For communities — especially in rural areas — who may still be working to install broadband networks, the data center debate is an opportunity for a structured and thoughtful broadband infrastructure transformation.

While discussions on water and power define where a data center will locate, it is the connectivity that will define what impact it will have on a community.

I have wondered why this hasn’t come up earlier in this current chapter of data centers. Around 2014, Eagan made very purposeful strides to connect broadband to data centers as an economic development strategy. And I remember (in 2011), when Duluth was trying to become a Google Fiber Community that the cold as an asset to data centers and the recent addition of the Involta data center was a plus. Clearly, this is a decade before the arrival hyperscale data center in Minnesota and hyperscale is a game changer. But this article got me looking at what happened years ago. I cannot say whether data centers are a good or bad idea for you community, but the advice I saw 10 years ago looks similar to the first step given in this article…

To create a robust plan for local connectivity, all stakeholders must be involved. That includes broadband providers that lay the fiber and build the infrastructure that connect our businesses, schools, and hospitals to the modern economy. These companies are core stakeholders, not background infrastructure.

However, these providers are often noticeably absent from such conversation. At a recent Columbus City Council hearing about data center development, for example, not a single internet provider or broadband expert was among the presentations. The room was filled, the news was filming, strong opinions were shared – and yet, broadband was not represented.

Not having all stakeholders at the table means that decisions about data centers are being made with incomplete information as to the whole picture of the costs and benefits of development.

How do job-seeking kids feel about AI? Not great

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Axios reports…

America, we have a problem: Young adults are scared and unprepared for the AI revolution upending their early career choices and prospects.

  • They tell pollsters they’re frightened, even angry, about AI’s fast arrival. They’re rightly unnerved by a tough job market for college grads. And most aren’t remotely equipped by schools to be AI-savvy.

Why it matters: This is a growing problem for just about everyone — kids, educators, employers and politicians.

  • The youngest, most technologically native age group should be among the biggest cheerleaders and beneficiaries of AI. They aren’t. If anything, their feelings are growing more sour.

By the numbers: Gen Z’s excitement about AI dropped 14 points over the last year to just 22%, according to Gallup polling released last week. Hopefulness about the technology fell nine points to 18%, while anger rose nine points to 31%.

AI’s impact on unemployment rate is real but minimal and mixed

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Axios reports…

The impact of AI on the job market is starting to show up in the data analyzed by Wall Street firms — so far it’s pretty modest, but certainly real.

What they found: AI has both created and destroyed jobs over the past year.

  • It reduced employment in occupations that are easily substituted by AI, translating to a slight 0.16 percentage point increase in the unemployment rate.
  • At the same time, AI decreased unemployment by 0.06 point in jobs that are “augmented” by AI — roles that rely on things that machines cannot replace, like human judgment, interpersonal interaction and accountability.

Zoom out: Overall, AI raised the unemployment rate by just 0.1 percentage point, they find.

The article goes on to explain that there are two sides to AI. It was help some professions and eliminate others…

The bottom line: AI’s impact on the labor market is small so far, and it’s more complicated than the doomers want you to think.

New MN Bill: End the state’s tax exemption for digital advertising, sales and services HF4343

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The Minnesota House reports…

Once upon a time, the main place you’d find advertising was in a newspaper. But then billboards became ubiquitous, followed by commercials on radio, then television. Today, it’s an inescapable element of your online experience.

But did you know that no taxes are collected when digital ads are bought in Minnesota? Nor are they for billboards. Sponsored by Rep. Liz Lee (DFL-St. Paul), HF4343 would end the state’s tax exemption for digital advertising, sales and services, and do the same for billboards. And it would lower the state’s sales tax rate by 0.125%.

On Wednesday, the House Taxes Committee laid the bill over, as amended, for possible omnibus bill inclusion.

They looked at

 HF4343 would end the state’s tax exemption for digital advertising, sales and services, and do the same for billboards. And it would lower the state’s sales tax rate by 0.125%.

 

MinnPost gives a current overview of Data Center issues at the MN Legislature

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MinnPost reports…

A coalition of Minnesotans opposed to the development of data centers has a wishlist for the current legislative session with a hierarchy of priorities.

Banning local officials from signing non-disclosure agreements, or NDAs, would be nice, they say. Ditto for requiring public hearings and disclosures prior to the approval of data center permits.

What the group wants above all, though, is a moratorium on proposed projects in Hermantown, Pine Island, Monticello, Farmington, North Mankato and other cities.

“We’re begging, urging the state to pause,” said Rebecca Gilbertson, who lives about a half-mile from a planned Google data center in Hermantown.

There’s a discussion about NDAs…

NDAs are common tools — too common in the eyes of those advocating against them — used in economic development. They allow plans to simmer behind the scenes before any public scrutiny can boil over at public meetings. The normalization of NDAs prompted a St. Louis County commissioner to propose a ban on them last year.

Business groups, however, argue that NDA bans would stymie development.

“Without some level of confidentiality during those early conversations, companies may be unwilling to explore potential projects in Minnesota while evaluating investments across multiple states or competing communities within the same region,” wrote a group of economic organizations in a letter submitted to the Legislature.

And discussion on proposed moratorium on data centers…

A moratorium bill introduced by Sen. Jennifer McEwen, DFL-Duluth, would halt local permits for data centers until the state’s Public Utilities Commission submits a report  to the Legislature on energy usage, water usage and other impacts. The bill would delay development until at least a year after the report’s submission, theoretically pushing back local approvals into 2029.

Press Conference: MN Lawmakers Introduce Legislation to Regulate Artificial Intelligence

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Earlier today, Senator Erin Maye Quade, DFL-Apple Valley, legislators, and supporters held a press conference to introduce bills intended to regulate artificial intelligence for consumer protection and public safety. It’s a great peek at what might be happening later today and for the rest of the session. Reporters asked questions that many of us might ask – such as what does that mean in the real world.

Here are some of the sessions that will be happening today. You can watch in real time or view the archive later:

S.F. 1120 Maye QuadeGovernment entities prohibition from requesting or obtaining reverse-location information

scs1120a-1.pdf

ACLU-MN-Letter-of-Support-Reverse-Warrants-SF-1120.pdf

BCA-Opposition-to-SF1120-3-5-26-Signed-3-5-26.pdf

ILCM-SF1120-Pro.pdf

MCPA-_SF1120_Letter-of-Opposition.pdf

Reverse-Warrant-Flyer-SF-1120.pdf

20260302134430681_25-112-Google-Chatrie-Amicusfinal.pdf

S.F. 1856 Maye QuadeUsage of artificial intelligence in the utilization review process prohibition provision

scs1856a-1.pdf

S.F. 1857 Maye QuadeMinor access to chatbots for recreational purposes by persons prohibition provision

scs1857a-2.pdf

MFC-SF1857-Pro-Senate-Judiciary-and-Public-Safety-Committee-03092026.pdf

S.F. 1886 Maye QuadeIndividual communication with artificial intelligence disclosure requirement provision

RMAI-Memorandum-in-Opposition-to-SF1886-03-09-2026.pdf

S.F. 3098 Maye QuadeProhibition from using artificial intelligence to dynamically set product prices

scs3098a-1.pdf

MN for Open Government AI Regulation Presentation

MN_for_Open_Government_AI_regulation_presentation.pdf

New MN Bill introduced: Data centers excluded from gross annual retail energy sales for energy conservation and optimization purposes (HF3296)

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I am going to try to at least track the bills that get introduced that are at all related to broadband and/or broadband use. I may not follow all closely. Click the bill number for more info and updates:

The MN House reports…

That’s why he came to St. Paul to testify in favor of HF3296, a bill sponsored by Rep. Dawn Gillman (R-Dassel) that would allow utility sales of electricity to certain data centers to be excluded from the state’s definition of “gross annual retail energy sales,” and, thus, not required to meet the ECO plan’s annual energy savings goal of 1.5% for a cooperative or municipal utility.

On Thursday, the House Energy Finance and Policy Committee approved a delete-all amendment and laid the bill over for possible omnibus bill inclusion.

New MN Bill introduced: Funding for a digital platform to provide youth with info on internships and job opportunities (HF3004)

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I am going to try to at least track the bills that get introduced that are at all related to broadband and/or broadband use. I may not follow all closely. Click the bill number for more info and updates:

From the MN House...

Sponsored by Rep. Samakab Hussein (DFL-St. Paul), HF3004, as amended, would appropriate $1.3 million in Fiscal Year 2027 for a central digital platform to provide youth with information on internships, mentorships and job opportunities across the state.

Opinion Piece in Star Tribune: Slow down the rapid growth of data centers

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Last year, I noticed a number of local discussion and event seminars on data centers looking to set up iin various Minnestoa towns. With the legislature in session, I suspect we’ll see a few more opinions shared in the near future. The following is an Opinion piece written to the Minnesota Star Tribune…

Put simply, data center proposals are moving faster than policy in Minnesota. The speed of AI investments in data centers is outstripping the ability of the state and communities to protect themselves from their rapacious demands. We need a pause. We are calling on the Legislature to pass a two-year moratorium on data centers so that policymakers can catch up with this fast-moving industry. In those two years, the state should develop recommendations on policies to protect our natural resources and communities. They should look at the potential cumulative impacts of multiple proposed data centers, and they should develop a statewide strategy on where and how we will allow this industry to develop in our state.

Our organizations are tracking at least 21 potential data center proposals. Minnesotans from around the state are calling our organizations daily, concerned about known or suspected data center proposals in their communities. We say “suspected” because, in many cases, it is quite hard to know what is actually being proposed. These projects are moving forward under a cloak of secrecy, often described in vague terms such as “technology park” or “light industrial development.” Even when city officials state that it is a data center, it’s often hard to get details beyond that basic fact.

The letter was submitted by the following…

Organizations that are signatories to this article include the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light, CURE, the Center for Biological Diversity, Friends of the Mississippi River, Stop the Hermantown Data Center, the Coalition for Responsible Data Center Development, Vote Solar, WaterLegacy and Clean Water Action.

EVENT March 26: Ignite Cup 2026 – Live Pitch Night in Red Wing MN

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An invitation for investors and entrepreneurs from Red Wing Ignite…

🔥 Ignite Cup 2026 – Live Pitch Night
Thursday, March 26 • 6:00–9:00pm • Red Wing, MN

Get ready for an electrifying evening of innovation, inspiration, and real-time business breakthroughs at the Ignite Cup—SE Minnesota’s premier pitch competition! This is your front-row seat to witness bold ideas come to life as local entrepreneurs and startup founders take the stage to pitch their ventures to a panel of expert judges.

Whether you’re a seasoned business builder, aspiring founder, investor, or community supporter, this event offers something for everyone:

✨ High-impact pitches from emerging companies across industries
🤝 Networking opportunities with innovators, mentors, and regional leaders
💡 Inspiration & insights into the next generation of ventures thriving in our region
🏆 Live competition — watch finalists compete for cash prizes, mentorship, community recognition, and even a seat in the statewide MN Cup competition.

Be there to cheer on the finalists, connect with driven entrepreneurs, and be part of a community that’s building the future of business in southeastern Minnesota. Don’t miss your chance to experience where creativity meets opportunity!

👉 Reserve your spot today and join us for an unforgettable night of innovation!