116J.421 Rural policy and development center.
Subdivision 1. Established. The rural policy and development center is established at Mankato State University.
Subd. 2. Governance. The center is governed by a board of directors appointed to six-year terms by the governor comprised of:
(1) a representative from each of the two largest statewide general farm organizations;
(2) a representative from a regional initiative organization selected under section 116J.415, subdivision 3;
(3) the president of Mankato State University;
(4) a representative from the general public residing in a town of less than 5,000 located outside of the metropolitan area;
(5) a member of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house and a member of the senate appointed by the subcommittee on committees of the senate committee on rules and administration appointed for two-year terms;
(6) three representatives from business, including one representing rural manufacturing and one rural retail and service business;
(7) three representatives from private foundations with a demonstrated commitment to rural issues;
(8) one representative from a rural county government; and
(9) one representative from a rural regional government.
Subd. 3. Duties. The center shall:
(1) identify present and emerging social and economic issues for rural Minnesota, including health care, transportation, crime, housing, and job training;
(2) forge alliances and partnerships with rural communities to find practical solutions to economic and social problems;
(3) provide a resource center for rural communities on issues of importance to them;
(4) encourage collaboration across higher education institutions to provide interdisciplinary team approaches to problem solving with rural communities; and
(5) involve students in center projects.
Subd. 4. Statewide focus. The center has a statewide mission. It may contract and collaborate with higher education and other institutions located throughout the state.
HIST: 1997 c 200 art 1 s 51
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes