A shortage of childcare facilities continues to exist in Faribault County. That was one of the subjects that came before the Faribault County Economic Development Authority at their meeting in Winnebago on July 21.

“Faribault County continues to face a significant child care shortage, with an estimated 267-child care slot deficit,” EDA specialist Danielle Hayter-Johnson told the EDA Board. “Combined with neighboring Martin County’s estimated 239-slot deficit, the two counties are experiencing a shortage of more that 500 child care spaces.”

And the problem could get worse in the near future.

“Many existing providers are nearing retirement,” Hayter-Johnson commented. “This creates additional concern for the long-term sustainability of the local child care system.”

To address these challenges, Hayter-Johnson said representatives from First Children’s Finance, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, Health and Human Services, the county child care licensor and representatives from the EDAs of Faribault and Martin County have formed a collaborative core team committed to strengthening the regional child care system.

With those things in mind, the EDA approved the request of staff to participate in First Children’s Finance’s Strategic Supply Plan (SSP). The SSP is a condensed, approximately nine-month planning process that brings together a core team of community leaders to assess the current child care landscape, identify gaps and develop an action plan to preserve and expand local child care capacity. Since the program’s creation in 2022, 12 communities, including three in southwest Minnesota, have completed the SSP process.

In a child care related item, the EDA board approved a request of $5,000 from the EDA’s Child Care Fund. The request is split between a $2,500 grant and a $2,500 forgivable loan.

“The funds will be used by the provider to replace windows in her home that were found to no longer meet code in a recent inspection by the new Family Childcare licensor for Faribault and Martin counties,” Hayter-Johnson stated. “The applicant is licensed and meets all of our requirements.”

Following the approval of the grant/loan request, the remaining balance in the Child Care Fund is $5,288.

The EDA also reviewed and approved six LHTF (Local Housing Trust Fund) applications totaling $90,000.

The applicants were from people residing in various cities around the county including Wells, Kiester and Blue Earth. The reasons for the requests included needing roof and shingle repair, sewer work, making a space handicap accessible, electrical work, replacing gutters, a need for new windows and doors and a bathroom remodel.

Final approval of the six applications must still be made by the County Board. Should all of the applications be approved, the remaining balance in the LHTR would be just under $13,000.

Hayter-Johnson, along with EDA specialist Jim Langborg, reported they had met with the owner of the Frost School Apartments and Gymnasium to discuss their business plans and potential revolving loan assistance for the business

“The property includes 12 affordable apartment units that are currently being remodeled,” Langborg said. “Monthly rent for a one-bedroom unit is expected to be approximately $750.”

They also learned the former gymnasium is planned for conversion into an event center. The owners are also considering leasing space to local child care providers.

In other business:

• Staff presented the updated Faribault County EDA website to the board. The website now includes current agendas and minutes. Information may also be found on the LHTF, staff contacts and there is now refreshed news content.

• A Business Partner Profile has been developed by staff and visits with businesses are being planned to help build relationships with local business along with identifying their successes and challenges.

• The board reviewed and updated the list of people comprising their loan review board.