On the agenda: Becker meeting — data center (May 11)

City of Becker
Economic Development Authority
Becker City Hall Council Chambers
12060 Sherburne Avenue
Monday, May 11, 2026
5:30 PM

Agenda
5:30 pm

1.

Call Meeting to Order

2. Approval of Agenda
3. Approval of the Minutes
a. April 13, 2026
4. Guests and Open Forum
5. 5.75 Acre City Owned Lot Sale
6. JTF – Funding Opportunities Discussion
7. Updates
a. Monthly Market Update – Voller
b. Planning
c. Other
8. Adjourn

Regarding Public Hearings: Anyone interested in a scheduled public hearing is encouraged to attend and
comment at the Public Hearing. If you are unable to attend and wish to comment, please provide written
comment to the Community Development Director, Jacob Sanders at 12060 Sherburne Ave SE, Becker, MN
55308 or by email to [email protected]. Comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. the day of the
scheduled Economic Development Authority meeting. Thank you!

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
MINUTES OF APRIL 13, 2026

Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, an Economic Development Authority meeting was held
on April 13, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kathy Hollenhorst, Paige Krumme, Robin Dingmann
MEMBERS ABSENT: Andy Voller, Mark Kolbinger
OTHERS PRESENT: Jacob Sanders – Community Development Director, Caryn Dunderi –
EDA Secretary
Hollenhorst called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. with a quorum present.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
A MOTION WAS MADE BY DINGMANN TO APPROVE THE AGENDA. THE
MOTION WAS SECONDED BY KRUMME. UPON VOTE BEING TAKEN THE
FOLLOWING VOTED:
AYE: HOLLENHORST, KRUMME, DINGMANN
NAY: NONE
MOTION CARRIED
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Hollenhorst noted the date was incorrect at the header of the minutes as well as the spelling of
Robin Dingmann’s name.
A MOTION WAS MADE BY KRUMME TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE
MARCH 9, 2025 MEETING AS AMENDED. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY
DINGMANN. UPON VOTE BEING TAKEN THE FOLLOWING VOTED:
AYE: HOLLENHORST, KRUMME, DINGMANN
NAY: NONE
MOTION CARRIED
GUESTS AND OPEN FORUM:
None.
INTIATIVE FOUNDATION REV PROGRAM DISCUSSION
Sanders noted that the city has an opportunity to apply for the Rural Entrepreneurial Venture
program, which aims to promote and strengthen economic opportunities and long-term
sustainability for local entrepreneurs. The program is offered by the Initiative Foundation in

partnership with the University of Minnesota. If selected, the city would receive support from a
dedicated coach who would collaborate with local stakeholders to connect entrepreneurs with
resources that foster business growth.
Discussion followed and EDA members agreed that while the program presents valuable
potential benefits, it may be challenging to identify engaged stakeholders and commit staff time
at this stage. Members emphasized that current resources may be better directed toward
supporting and enhancing existing businesses within the city by implementing and completing
projects discussed at recent EDA meetings.
UPDATES:
MONTHLY MARKET UPDATE
There was no monthly market update.
PLANNING:
Sanders reported that the Planning Commission will hold several public hearings at its next
meeting, including consideration of the platting and planned unit development (PUD) for
Fossum Fields Third Addition, as well as a comprehensive plan and zoning text amendment to
adjust density requirements on LuAnn Drive.
Sanders also noted that staff continues to collaborate with Redevelopment Resources, compiling
data for the city’s ongoing housing study.
In addition, Sanders announced that Rum River Consultants will assume responsibility for
building inspections for the City of Becker following the resignation of the previous building
official.
Discussion then turned to the city-owned lots in T Town. Sanders reported that the owners of
Charlie’s Bar and Grill remain interested in purchasing the properties, though no timeline has
been established for the potential transaction.
OTHER:
He also noted that he, Mayor Koblinger, and Sherburne County staff and elected officials
testified at the State Capitol in support of a bill that would amend statutes passed in 2025 that
impacted data centers.
ADJOURN
MOTION BY DINGMANN, SECOND BY KRUMME TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:42 PM.
Minutes by:
Caryn Dunderi – EDA Secretary

REQUEST FOR EDA ACTION
MEETING DATE:
May 11, 2026

EDA ACTION





Approved
Denied
Amended
Tabled

Agenda Item Description:
5.75 Acre City Owned Lot Sale
Originating Department / Preparer / Email / Phone:
Community Development / Jacob Sanders / [email protected] / 763-200-4242
Attachments/Links:
Yes

No

X

Attachments/Links Included:
1. None – see figures below
Introduction/Background/Justification/Key Issues/Legal Issues
B&B Industries is seeking to purchase the two properties, totaling 5.75 acres, located at Liberty Lane SE
and Highway 10 (see Figure 1.1) to construct an approximately 30,000 square-foot industrial
manufacturing and assembly facility. B&B Industries specializes in the design, fabrication, and
manufacturing of heavy recovery and towing equipment. Because the site is highly visible from Highway
10 and serves as a primary entrance to the industrial park, it has been held for a company capable of
developing an attractive facility that reinforces the park’s identity. Staff have reviewed a preliminary
building concept and believe it aligns well with the desired character for this location, making the
proposed facility a strong fit for one of the industrial park’s primary gateways.

Figure 1.1
Patchin Messner conducted an appraisal of multiple city-owned properties, including this one, in 2025.
The valuation for this site came in at $1.20 per square foot, resulting in a total sale price of $300,564.
Budgetary / Fiscal Impact:
City would receive proceeds from the sale of the property.
Action(s) Requested:
1. Motion and second recommending the sale of the 5.75 acre property on the corner of Liberty
Lane and Highway 10.

2026 Local Economy Lab

Request for Proposals: Entrepreneurship &
Small Business Support
Deadline: June 12

justtransitionfund.org | Local Economy Lab: Entrepreneurship & Small Business Support RFP

1

ABOUT
THE JTF

The Just Transition Fund is on a mission to create economic opportunity for the
frontline communities and workers hardest hit by the transition away from coal.
We know that coal community recovery requires investment across multiple fronts. Closures don’t just eliminate jobs, they strip away
tax revenue and the economic base on which communities depend. That’s why our Framework for Economic Transition accelerates
investment in three interconnected areas: workforce development, entrepreneurship and small business support, and place-based
infrastructure.
Launched in 2025, our Local Economy Lab is our central hub for helping coal communities seed, grow, and scale transformative
economic projects across all three areas. Through this Entrepreneurship & Business Support RFP—one of three we’re launching
this year—we’re investing in bold, community-driven approaches to entrepreneurship and business development that create lasting
local ownership and prosperity. We will support projects at every stage of development, from early planning and piloting to full
implementation and growth.
Whether you are testing a new idea or expanding a proven model, we want to hear from you! For more information on our other funding
opportunities, and for help determining which RFP is right for you, visit justtransitionfund.org/local-economy-lab to check out our short
guide.

2026
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
& SMALL BUSINESS
SUPPORT CYCLE

We know that energy communities are facing a pervasive skills and workforce gap
as closures occur and communities look toward diversification strategies.
In this funding cycle, we will support innovative, community-led entrepreneurship and business development projects that draw on
proven strategies to build locally owned economic opportunities in coal communities. Based on what we’ve learned from leading
practitioners across the country, we’re prioritizing two approaches: providing direct support for individual entrepreneurs and businesses
and building the competitive industry sectors that generate lasting jobs.

1. Industry Cluster Development

2. Direct Business Support

Strategies that build competitive, locally anchored industry

Programs that help entrepreneurs start and grow businesses—

clusters—connecting manufacturers, producers, and service

combining incubation and acceleration for early-stage ventures

providers into supply chains that create durable jobs and keep

with technical assistance, coaching, and capital access for

value circulating in the community.

existing small businesses at every stage of development.

justtransitionfund.org | Local Economy Lab: Entrepreneurship & Small Business Support RFP

2

We welcome applications in either of the two priority areas. Projects that creatively combine
elements across both priorities are strongly encouraged. While these priorities reflect our

FUNDING PRIORITIES

preferences, we will gladly accept other projects that meet the criteria.

Priority 1

Priority 2

Industry Cluster Development

Direct Business Support

Rural coal communities often have significant untapped assets—

The most direct investment we can make in coal community economic diversification is

including natural resources, manufacturing infrastructure, skilled

supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners at every stage—from the early-stage

workers, and even geography—that can anchor competitive industry

venture that needs structure and mentorship to survive its first years, to the established small

clusters if those assets are connected strategically. The most effective

business that needs capital and coaching to weather a hard stretch and grow. These challenges

cluster-building efforts convene producers and businesses across a

look different at different stages, but the goal is the same: locally owned enterprises that create

supply chain, identify market opportunities, build shared infrastructure,

quality jobs and keep wealth circulating in communities navigating major industrial change.

and create the coordination capacity that allows local enterprises to
compete at scale.

We are looking for projects that provide direct, accessible, and culturally appropriate support
to entrepreneurs and small businesses across the full arc of development. Eligible activities

We are looking for projects that build or expand locally anchored industry

include:

clusters in coal-impacted communities. Successful applicants will
demonstrate:

• Business incubation and acceleration programs that guide entrepreneurs from idea to
launch—with cohort-based programming, clear milestones, mentorship, peer networks, and

• A clear theory of how cluster coordination creates competitive
advantage and durable local jobs
• Meaningful convening of businesses across a supply chain
or sector, with a track record of or commitment to cross-firm
collaboration
• Strategies to connect local producers and manufacturers to
regional, national, or export markets
• Defined goals for job creation, business growth, and local
economic circulation

expert coaching across business planning, finance, marketing, and operations
• One-on-one and cohort-based coaching, financial literacy, and business planning support
for existing small and micro-businesses
• Pathways to growth capital, including connections to angel investors, public funding
sources, and community development finance institutions
• Support for businesses transitioning to employee ownership, cooperative structures, or
succession models
• Targeted outreach to underserved entrepreneurs, including women- and BIPOC-owned
businesses, as well as businesses in the most distressed communities

Strong cross-sector collaboration—from local government, anchor

Successful applicants will demonstrate how their program reaches entrepreneurs and

institutions, philanthropy, and existing businesses—is a key indicator of

businesses that conventional services do not, and how it connects them to a path toward

ecosystem health and will be weighted in our evaluation. Projects that

durable, locally owned economic opportunity. Projects that serve underrepresented

build an export economy—connecting coal communities to larger regional

entrepreneurs and integrate business development with workforce pathways are strongly

or national markets—are especially encouraged.

encouraged.

justtransitionfund.org | Local Economy Lab: Entrepreneurship & Small Business Support RFP

3

SELECTION
CRITERIA

Successful projects will create a significant impact, either by growing a proven
model or by creating and testing a new approach.
All proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria:
• A bold, transformative vision. Bold ideas with potential to transform local economic opportunity. Projects building an export
economy—connecting coal communities to larger markets—are strongly encouraged.
• Alignment with a growing sector. We are sector agnostic, but will look for demonstrated growth potential and strong local fit.
• Strong cross-sector collaboration. Meaningful engagement from community-based organizations, local government, employers,
and educational institutions.
• Evidence of existing investment. Secured or forthcoming financial commitment from public and/or private sources, from seed
funding for early-stage projects to significant investment for proven models.
• Potential to serve as a replicable model. Approaches that could be adapted in other rural coal communities with limited access
to financial resources and services.

ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES

Business Incubation: A coal community organization launches a hybrid business accelerator targeting entrepreneurs in outdoor
economy, food, and creative industries. Participants receive structured cohort programming, one-on-one coaching, connections to
regional mentors, and access to a revolving seed fund. The accelerator tracks business survival, revenue growth, and jobs created, and
publishes its model for adaptation in other communities.

The following examples show
the types of projects we expect

Small Business Technical Assistance: A CDFI and a local community partner create a support program for businesses that cannot

to support, across a range of

access traditional financial services. The program provides one-on-one coaching, a matched savings program, and a micro-loan

sectors. These are illustrative,

fund. Outreach is conducted in partnership with tribal nations and community-based organizations serving the hardest-to-reach

not exhaustive. Other projects

entrepreneurs.

that meet the criteria are
strongly encouraged.

Industry Cluster Development: A regional nonprofit convenes manufacturers and suppliers across a sustainable textiles supply chain,
building shared processing infrastructure, coordinating market access, and helping firms transition to circular economy practices. The
initiative connects local businesses to national brands seeking domestic, sustainable supply chains, creating lasting export-market
revenue in a historically coal-dependent region.
Integrated Model: A regional organization combines both approaches: direct business support through a business accelerator and
small business loan fund, alongside an industry cluster initiative in outdoor recreation and food systems, creating a comprehensive,
locally owned economic ecosystem that generates opportunity at every stage of business development.

justtransitionfund.org | Local Economy Lab: Entrepreneurship & Small Business Support RFP

4

INTERSECTIONS

A Note on the Workforce–Entrepreneurship Intersection
We know that entrepreneurship and workforce development are deeply intertwined in coal transition communities. Many of the
most effective local organizations support both workers seeking jobs and residents building businesses. This RFP is focused on
entrepreneurship, but we warmly welcome applications from organizations whose work spans both strategies. If your project integrates
workforce training with small business development—such as a program that prepares workers to launch their own contracting
businesses, or a co-op that employs community members while also building their ownership stakes—please tell us. Projects that serve
underrepresented entrepreneurs and that integrate business development with workforce pathways are particularly encouraged. This
intersection is a strength, not a complication.

BENEFITS OF
PARTICIPATION

Participation in the Local Economy Lab and the broader JTF network offers
numerous benefits.
Flexible, one year grants that support a wide
range of activities

Tailored technical
assistance

Grants will generally range from $50,000 to $300,000,

Support based on individual

Connection to
a national peer
network

depending on project stage and funding need. If invited to submit

project needs, including

Sponsored attendance at the

a proposal, we will provide more guidance on the amount to

accessing public and

JTF National Convening, plus

request. This initiative is designed to be responsive to individual

private funding sources and

access to peer learning and

project needs and provides flexible funding for operating

frameworks for tracking and

exchange with practitioners

expenses. Please note that construction or capital expenses are

communicating impact.

across the country.

not permitted.

OUTCOMES

We will support projects that create concrete economic outcomes for
entrepreneurs and communities—the actual launch and growth of locally owned
businesses that provide quality jobs and keep wealth circulating in coal-affected
communities.
We will track metrics at the individual (entrepreneurs trained, jobs created, capital accessed), program (businesses created, number
of businesses served), and community level (local economic circulation).
Fundamentally, we believe communities must also define their own terms for success, and we will collect metrics that project leaders
consider most meaningful alongside these.

justtransitionfund.org | Local Economy Lab: Entrepreneurship & Small Business Support RFP

5

ELIGIBILITY

We are accepting applications for projects serving counties that are experiencing
economic distress as a result of coal plant and/or mine closures, from
organizations that are deeply rooted in coal-affected areas.
Qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments are eligible to apply.

APPLICATION
PROCESS &
TIMELINE

Apply online with our application form.
To be considered, please submit your organization’s details, along with a short two-page concept paper, via our application form or visit
justtransitionfund.org/local-economy-lab.

The deadline to submit is June 12, 2026.
We will invite a select number of applicants to submit full proposals, and we will provide guidance on grant amount and timeline upon
invitation. Proposals will be evaluated on a rolling basis, and we encourage submissions prior to the deadline!

QUESTIONS?

Contact Marissa Berkley at [email protected].

justtransitionfund.org | Local Economy Lab: Entrepreneurship & Small Business Support RFP

6

2026 Local Economy Lab

Request for Proposals: Workforce Development
Deadline: June 12

justtransitionfund.org | Local Economy Lab: Workforce Development RFP

1

ABOUT
THE JTF

The Just Transition Fund is on a mission to create economic opportunity for the
frontline communities and workers hardest hit by the transition away from coal.
We know that coal community recovery requires investment across multiple fronts. Closures don’t just eliminate jobs, they strip away
tax revenue and the economic base on which communities depend. That’s why our Framework for Economic Transition accelerates
investment in three interconnected areas: workforce development, entrepreneurship and small business support, and place-based
infrastructure.
Launched in 2025, our Local Economy Lab is our central hub for helping coal communities seed, grow, and scale transformative
economic projects across all three areas. Through this Workforce RFP—one of three we’re launching this year—we’re investing in bold,
community-driven approaches that address the full range of barriers that workers face. We will support projects at every stage of
development, from early planning and piloting to full implementation and growth.
Whether you are testing a new idea or expanding a proven model, we want to hear from you! For more information on our other funding
opportunities, and for help determining which RFP is right for you, visit justtransitionfund.org/local-economy-lab to check out our short
guide.

2026
WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT
CYCLE

We know that energy communities are facing a pervasive skills and workforce gap
as closures occur and communities look toward diversification strategies.
In this funding cycle, we will support innovative, community-led workforce development projects that draw on proven strategies
to prepare local workers for high-quality jobs in growing economic sectors. Based on what we’ve learned from leading workforce
practitioners across the country, we’re prioritizing three approaches that address the persistent challenges in workforce development:

1. Employer-Driven Job Training

2. Removing Barriers to Training

3. Youth Career Pathways

Deep, iterative employer partnerships

Supportive services—transportation,

Programs that create early, accessible

that design training around real hiring

childcare, and housing—so workers can

pathways for young people to earn

needs—moving beyond “train and pray” to

complete training and enter quality jobs.

credentials and connect to good jobs—right

programs built on demonstrated demand.

justtransitionfund.org | Local Economy Lab: Workforce Development RFP

in their own communities.

2

We welcome applications in any of the three priority areas below. Projects that creatively
combine elements across multiple priorities are strongly encouraged. While these priorities

FUNDING PRIORITIES

reflect our preferences, we will gladly accept other projects that meet the criteria.

Priority 1

Priority 2

Priority 3

Employer-Driven Job Training

Removing Barriers to Training

Youth Career Pathways

A significant and persistent challenge in workforce

We know it’s difficult to upskill or reskill workers,

Young people in coal-affected communities face a

development is “train and pray”—designing programs

particularly in rural communities. Workers juggling

particularly acute challenge: they are more likely to

with limited employer input, training workers for jobs

jobs, caregiving, and the costs of daily life face

leave their communities in search of opportunity, and

that may or may not exist, and hoping that graduates

immense practical obstacles to completing training

they often lack visible proof that careers in growing

get hired. The most effective workforce programs break

programs. Research consistently shows that workforce

sectors are accessible to them. Programs that build

this pattern by building deep, ongoing relationships

programs that provide help for these supportive—

pathways to good jobs—co-located with schools or

with employers who are actively hiring and who treat

or wraparound—services are more likely to see

grounded in local employers—can keep talent in the

training design as a collaborative, iterative process.

participants complete training and earn more after

region while giving young people a tangible foothold in

completion.

a changing economy.

deepen employer partnerships to ensure that

We’re looking for projects that establish or expand

We are looking for projects that create structured

training leads directly to jobs. Successful projects will

dedicated funding mechanisms that provide workers

career pathways for young people, with a clear focus

demonstrate:

with immediate, flexible access to the supports they

on hiring outcomes. Strong proposals will include:

We are looking for projects that build or significantly

need to complete training and secure good jobs.
• Employer partners who are actively engaged in

Eligible supports may include:

curriculum design and real-time adjustments
• Clear, documented hiring pipelines from training
program to employment
• Flexibility to adjust training content as employer
needs evolve

• Work-based learning experiences co-designed
with local employers to help young talent find

• Transportation assistance
• Childcare and dependent care support
• Interview coaching, work attire, and other jobreadiness supports

jobs almost immediately
• Credentials, certifications, or associate’s
degrees earned during or after high school
• A defined job-placement goal, with metrics to
track both short (immediate) and long-term

Projects that target employers in growing sectors with

Successful applicants will demonstrate how their

strong local fit—including clean energy, advanced

barrier removal fund complements existing federal

manufacturing, healthcare, and technology—and

workforce funding, fills gaps left by bureaucratic

that can demonstrate employer commitment through

processes, and can be sustained through local or

MOUs, letters of support, or co-investment are strongly

philanthropic investment.

encouraged.

hiring outcomes
• Active employer involvement, including
mentorship, apprenticeships, or guaranteed
interviews
Projects informed by models like “six-year schools” or
similar industry-aligned youth programs are welcome,
provided they are appropriately adapted to the realities
of rural coal communities.

justtransitionfund.org | Local Economy Lab: Workforce Development RFP

3

SELECTION
CRITERIA

Successful projects will create a significant workforce development impact, either
by growing a proven model or by creating and testing a new approach.
All proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria:
• A bold, transformative vision. Bold ideas with potential to transform local economic opportunity. Projects building an export
economy—connecting coal communities to larger markets—are strongly encouraged.
• Alignment with a growing sector. We are sector agnostic, but will look for demonstrated growth potential and strong local fit.
• Strong cross-sector collaboration. Meaningful engagement from community-based organizations, local government, employers,
and educational institutions.
• Evidence of existing investment. Secured or forthcoming financial commitment from public and/or private sources, from seed
funding for early-stage projects to significant investment for proven models.
• Potential to serve as a replicable model. Approaches that could be adapted in other rural coal communities with limited access
to financial resources and services.

ILLUSTRATIVE
EXAMPLES

Employer-Driven Training
A community college partners with regional clean energy employers to co-design a solar and electrical apprenticeship program.
Employers participate in curriculum review and provide on-the-job training slots; graduates are guaranteed interviews. The program
continuously iterates based on employer feedback and hiring data.

The following examples show
the types of projects we expect

Barrier Removal

to support, across a range of

A workforce provider serving coal community residents establishes a Barrier Reduction Fund, providing immediate cash assistance for

sectors. These are illustrative,

transportation, childcare, and emergency needs. The fund complements WIOA funding—filling gaps that federal dollars cannot cover—

not exhaustive. Other projects

and is capitalized through a mix of local philanthropic and public investment.

that meet the criteria are
strongly encouraged.

Youth Career Pathways
A rural school district launches a six-year high school program in partnership with area health systems and manufacturers. Students
earn an associate’s degree and industry credential alongside their diploma, with employers providing mentors, paid internships, and
structured hiring pathways. Success is measured by job placement rates, not just credential attainment.

Integrated Model
A workforce organization combines all three approaches: a barrier reduction fund keeps trainees enrolled, employer partners shape
the curriculum and provide guaranteed interviews, and a youth-track pipeline builds the next generation of workers—creating a
comprehensive, community-rooted workforce ecosystem.

justtransitionfund.org | Local Economy Lab: Workforce Development RFP

4

INTERSECTIONS

A Note on the Workforce–Entrepreneurship Intersection
We know that workforce development and entrepreneurship are deeply intertwined in coal transition communities. Many of the most
effective local organizations support both workers seeking jobs and residents building businesses. This RFP is focused on workforce
development, but we warmly welcome applications from organizations whose work spans both strategies. If your project integrates
workforce training with small business development—such as a program that prepares workers to launch their own contracting
businesses, or a co-op that employs community members while also building their ownership stakes—please tell us. Projects that serve
underrepresented entrepreneurs and that integrate business development with workforce pathways are particularly encouraged. This
intersection is a strength, not a complication.

BENEFITS OF
PARTICIPATION

OUTCOMES

Participation in the Local Economy Lab and the broader JTF network offers
numerous benefits.
Flexible, one year grants that support a wide
range of activities

Tailored technical
assistance

Grants will generally range from $50,000 to $300,000, depending

Support based on individual

Connection to
a national peer
network

on project stage and funding need. If invited to submit a proposal,

project needs, including

Sponsored attendance at

we will provide more guidance on the amount to request. This

accessing public and private

the JTF National Convening,

initiative is designed to be responsive to individual project needs

funding sources, employer

plus access to peer learning

and provides flexible funding for operating expenses. Please note

engagement strategies, and

and exchange with workforce

that construction or capital expenses are not permitted.

frameworks for tracking and

practitioners across the

communicating impact.

country.

We will support projects that create concrete economic outcomes for workers
and communities—the actual hiring and retention of workers in sustainable
employment opportunities that allows workers to stay and thrive in their
communities.
We will track metrics at the individual (median earnings, credential or skills gained), program (employment rates after program exit,
impact of barrier removal), and community level (local training capacity).
Fundamentally, we believe communities must also define their own terms for success, and we will collect metrics that project leaders
consider most meaningful alongside these.

justtransitionfund.org | Local Economy Lab: Workforce Development RFP

5

ELIGIBILITY

We are accepting applications for projects serving counties that are experiencing
economic distress as a result of coal plant and/or mine closures, from
organizations that are deeply rooted in coal-affected areas.
Qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, local governments, and Tribal governments are eligible to apply.

APPLICATION
PROCESS &
TIMELINE

Apply online with our application form.
To be considered, please submit your organization’s details, along with a short two-page concept paper, via our application form or visit
justtransitionfund.org/local-economy-lab.

The deadline to submit is June 12, 2026.
We will invite a select number of applicants to submit full proposals, and we will provide guidance on grant amount and timeline upon
invitation. Proposals will be evaluated on a rolling basis, and we encourage submissions prior to the deadline!

QUESTIONS?

Contact Marissa Berkley at [email protected].

justtransitionfund.org | Local Economy Lab: Workforce Development RFP

6