• Legislative Kaffeeklatsch

    Lakes Country Service Cooperative & West Central Initiative invite you to join us for a virtual Legislative Kaffeeklatsch to hear from our region's legislators. Lobbyists Sam Walseth & Roger Moe will moderate the event. The first 50 people to register will receive a complimentary $5 gift card to a coffee shop in our region. Register...

  • How to Tell Your Story

    Child care and preschool frequently appear in headlines. But what are policymakers planning to do on these topics? How do these discussions affect your work, and how can you participate? Attend this Develop-approved online training to brush up on the history and context of our current early care and education “system.” Then learn about concrete...

  • Age-Friendly Minnesota Conference and Exchange

    Join us for these three dynamic days, where you can learn about age-friendly trends and innovations. Select one virtual session or attend several - it's up to you! We also want to hear your insights at an in-person Exchange Session, where you can shape our state's Multisector Plan on Aging, network with people in your area, and take home insights from local and national experts.

  • The Unique Business of Family Child Care

    Free virtual training for tax professionals!
    Attendees will learn how to understand and properly prepare the Family Child Care Provider’s income tax return.

  • Legislative Kaffeeklatsch

    Lakes Country Service Cooperative & West Central Initiative invite you to join us for a virtual Legislative Kaffeeklatsch to hear from our region's legislators. Lobbyist Sam Walseth will moderate the event. Registrants will be entered to win a coffee gift card. Register Today

  • Climate Catalysts

    Climate Catalysts is a networking group comprised of regional stakeholders, community leaders, and West Central Initiative staff that convenes monthly around climate action in west central Minnesota. The Climate Catalysts group: Supports cross-sectoral relationship building around climate action through regular conversations and idea sharing. Collaborates by coordinating efforts and tracking progress on climate-related initiatives across...

  • Climate Catalysts

    Climate Catalysts is a networking group comprised of regional stakeholders, community leaders, and West Central Initiative staff that convenes monthly around climate action in west central Minnesota. The Climate Catalysts group: Supports cross-sectoral relationship building around climate action through regular conversations and idea sharing. Collaborates by coordinating efforts and tracking progress on climate-related initiatives across...

  • Transportation Alternatives Workshop

    West Central Initiative and MnDOT District 4 will host a workshop to discuss this year’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) solicitation. The workshop will be held in person and online via Zoom. The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, September 25, at 1:00 p.m. in person at West Central Initiative’s office, located at 1000 Western Ave in...

  • Solar PV Planning and Zoning Best Practices

    Join us for a virtual training session on best practices in planning and zoning for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations and development. A local government’s approach to zoning and development can significantly impact solar energy growth. The inclusion of solar energy planning and zoning best practices provides a foundation that can help facilitate solar energy growth...

  • Immigration in Minnesota’s West Central Region: A Changing Story Virtual Event

    Minnesota's rural areas and small towns are constantly evolving. Immigration has been a part of our communities’ stories for more than 100 years and will continue to shape our region for generations to come. Join us to learn more about this changing and dynamic history. Allison Liuzzi, Project Director of MN Compass, will share recent...