University of Minnesota Extension educators played a key role in a community-driven housing initiative that received national recognition for helping rural communities address the housing needs of older adults.
The Northwest Regional Development Commission (NWRDC) recently received a 2026 Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) for the Thrive in Thief River 55+ Older Adult Housing initiative. The award recognizes innovative regional development projects that strengthen communities through collaboration.
"It’s exciting when what we have to offer from Extension can align with the work of people in other organizations to address the needs of the community," says Jody Horntvedt, Extension leadership and civic engagement educator.
Funded by Age Friendly Minnesota (AFMN), the initiative brought together University of Minnesota Extension, Advance Thief River, NWRDC and EAPC Architects to create a shared strategic framework for housing residents age 55 and older in Thief River Falls.
Guided by community input
Extension educators helped ensure community voices guided the planning process. For example, educator and rural sociologist Ben Winchester shared research on rural housing trends during community presentations; Horntvedt facilitated focus groups and community input sessions; and Rani Bhattacharyya, community economics educator, synthesized resident feedback to identify key themes and priorities reflected in the final strategic plan.
“I think the success we saw in Thief River Falls came directly from the fact that everyone involved really worked hard to participate in authentic grassroots organizing. That is what helped us bring a critical 55+ housing project all the way from the drawing board and to fruition in real life.”
— Rani Bhattacharyya
The project responded to demographic changes affecting many rural Minnesota communities, including an aging population and evolving housing needs. Community input will help guide future housing development, partnerships and local decision-making.