1978

Following Governor Rudy Perpich’s failed re-election bid, Mark Dayton gathers together a group of economic development staff, others in state government, researchers and activists to incorporate The Minnesota Project.  Dayton founds the non-profit organization in order to continue the rural initiatives he had begun as Commissioner of Economic Development under Perpich.

1979

Along with Alida Messinger, Mark Dayton makes an initial donation of $1 million.

An office opens in Minneapolis early in the year to house fourteen staff.  The Minnesota Project launches its Community Assistance Program to help to fund rural communities and projects, and the Public Policy Center to perform comprehensive analysis of longer term consequences of federal and state policies.

1980

Tom Triplett named as the first Executive Director.           

First Board of Directors nominated.

The Minnesota Project conducts a study in conjunction with the Minnesota Farmers Union to assess the impact of federal and state agricultural policies on the Minnesota farm.

1984

Brought technical assistance on Community Development and Small Cities Block Grants to dozens of counties and cities, bringing in millions in grants and many jobs. 

Analyzed home-based businesses, finding that they were a key segment of the rural economy, but largely ignored by traditional economic development efforts.  A long term relationship with six northeast Minnesota communities resulted in a detailed study of home-based craft businesses and how mutual support and training could assist them. 

1985

The Minnesota Project a leader in developing local recycling programs.

Helped former rival towns in southeast Minnesota come together, evolve local leadership, and form a firm foundation for the Historic Bluff Country Tourism Association.

1987

Groundwater protection support built through education and model ordinances, culminating in the 1989 Minnesota Groundwater Act.

1988

Helped found the Midwest Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, part of a national alliance of family farm, food, conservation, rural and urban organizations that together advocate for federal agriculture and food policy reform.

1990

Assisted small towns the state had written off with economic development.

1992

First edition of Community Connections newsletter published.

Along with other non-profits, The Minnesota Project forms Midwest Consortium on Groundwater and Farm Chemicals to help communities with groundwater planning, special protection areas, and alternatives to roadside spraying.

1993

Sustainers Coalition created for Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture (MISA) at University of Minnesota.

Sustainable Energy for Economic Development (SEED) is coordinated by The Minnesota Project to provide a vehicle for rural and environmental concerns to find common ground and win state policy changes.

1994

Renewable Energy program begins, initially including education and outreach on electric utility restructuring power plant pollution, global warming issues, and farm-based biogas generation.

1995

Whole Farm Planning founded to help farmers protect water and other natural resources from degradation, while improving net profits.

1998

Conservation Stewardship Program developed as a part of the USDA Farm Bill to pay farmers who protect resources on their working lands.

1999

The Minnesota Project partners with the Haubenschild Dairy Farm to create and study the first anaerobic digester in Minnesota.              

Participates in Midwest Sustainable Agriculture Coalition Working Group, a network of over 30 organizations seeking to develop a sustainable food and agriculture system; and National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture, a national forum for developing and promoting federal sustainable agriculture policy.

Website (www.mnproject.org) launched.

2001

First wind initiatives taken in Lake City and Northfield.

2002

Helped establish Conservation Security Program to reward farmers for protecting air, water and soil as a part of the USDA Farm Bill.

Co-founded Clean Energy Resource Teams to connect people with the technical resources needed to identify and implement community-scale energy efficiency and clean energy projects.

2004

First edition of The Conservation Planner is published.

2005

Midwest Ag Energy Network formed to coordinate outreach and education among regional agriculture industry leaders about renewable and low carbon energy policy and technology development.

2008

Jer Lindy Farm case study complete, proving the feasibility of anaerobic digesters for farms with 300 cows or less.

GreenStep Cities initial research completed.

Heartland Food Network launched, bringing together Minnesota dining establishments, catering companies, institutional food service buyers and food distributors in order to encourage and facilitate the consumption of local foods.

2009

REDI (Rural Energy Development Initiative) website for wind projects launched.

Greening of University Avenue has its first community meeting.

Fruits of the City program established to plant orchards, harvest surplus fruit, and teach fruit tree care.