At Bollig Engineering, we believe that meaningful progress happens when the right people—and organizations—come together with a shared vision. Across Minnesota, our small cities are already working with regional and local agencies to grow stronger, more sustainable communities. Our role is to help connect the dots and align infrastructure planning with broader community and economic development goals.
Our in-house funding team plays a vital role in these collaborations, helping communities align engineering needs with viable funding strategies. We guide cities through available programs and tailor a funding approach that supports both immediate goals and long-term sustainability.
We don’t just design infrastructure. We build collaborative strategies that multiply impact. These strategic partnerships for small city infrastructure help cities grow smarter, faster, and stronger. Here are a few examples of how Bollig partners with agencies that our client communities are already utilizing:
Strategic Partnerships in Action: Collaborating for Infrastructure Success
Regional Development Commissions (RDCs) – Minnesota is home to nine Regional Development Organizations (RDOs)—each working to strengthen their region through planning, grant writing, and technical assistance. These RDCs, coordinated through MADO (Minnesota Association of Development Organizations), are key partners for many of the small cities we serve. Examples include:
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UMVRDC (Upper Minnesota Valley RDC) frequently authors joint Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) grants alongside Bollig projects, helping communities like Appleton and others secure crucial funding for housing, infrastructure, and revitalization.
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Region Five Development Commission (R5DC) led a federally funded Clean Energy Project, where Bollig provided clean energy audit support. This partnership brought engineering expertise directly into an innovative regional sustainability initiative.
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Local Economic Development Agencies – We also collaborate with more localized organizations focused on housing, workforce, and business growth. Examples include:
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Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission (AAEDC) is working with the City of Kensington on early marketing efforts for a proposed housing development—a project where Bollig is providing infrastructure guidance. This partnership is a win-win, meeting goals for both AAEDC and the City of Kensington as they work to attract new residents and investment.
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Development Services, Inc. (DSI) is another frequent partner in grant writing and program delivery. We’ve worked alongside DSI on joint SCDP applications, where they bring expertise in community development and housing management while we provide engineering strategy and technical planning. Together, we help cities prepare competitive, compelling applications that reflect the full picture of community needs.
Amplifying Partnerships Through Golden Shovel Agency
To further elevate the work of our client communities, Bollig is proud to collaborate with organizations like the Golden Shovel Agency, a leader in economic development marketing and engagement. Golden Shovel assists communities in planning, marketing, and attracting people and industries. They offer services such as mini strategic planning, website development, and social media management. Golden Shovel’s work aligns with many of the goals our client cities are working toward and can be a valuable resource when the timing and fit are right.
These partnerships help cities do more with less. When we work together with trusted agencies—like RDCs, economic development agencies, DSI, Golden Shovel, and others—we help build strong foundations for long-term community and economic success.
Want to collaborate?
Let’s talk about how strategic partnerships can help your community reach more economic development, infrastructure, and community goals. Get in touch to learn how Bollig can work alongside your team and your trusted partners to move your infrastructure goals forward.
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