AGP Executive Report

Labor Market Snapshot: Minnesota’s unemployment jumped above the national rate in January for the first time since 2007, with labor participation falling sharply—linked by state officials to fear and disruption tied to a winter immigration enforcement operation. Public Works: Phase two of MnDOT’s Highway 61 tunnel lighting upgrades resumes Sept. 8, finishing LED improvements in the Lafayette Bluff and Silver Creek tunnels. Transportation Safety: A back-to-school reminder focuses on Minnesota school bus rules and why small speed changes matter for safety and carbon. Broadband Funding: Rural internet projects face delays as states wait for federal guidance on how to spend remaining BEAD money. AI & Privacy: A federal judge kept Minnesota’s AI “nudification” ban in force against xAI while the constitutional fight continues. Mining & Water: The Mille Lacs Band urges Minnesotans to weigh in on the Tamarack nickel mine’s Environmental Impact Statement, warning water impacts won’t respect boundaries. Agriculture & Costs: Minnesota farmers and ranchers at the State Fair discussed farm bill and beef import pressures, while hockey families warn Canada tariffs could push up gear prices. Health & Science: A COVID study points to immune cells tied to autoantibody production, overlapping with pathways seen in lupus. Legal: A Boston jury awarded $88M in a hernia mesh MDL case, boosting settlement leverage for thousands of plaintiffs.

Medical Tech Leadership: Anteris Technologies (ASX:AVR) named Brent Moen as its new CFO as it pushes forward with its DurAVR transcatheter heart valve and global clinical program. Fuel Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported spotty but notable lows across Minnesota counties for the week ending Aug. 29, including regular at $3.79 in Winona County and diesel at $4.99 in Houston County, with statewide averages still higher than last week. Construction Fraud: A Minnesota pool contractor, Charles Ray Workman, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for wire fraud after taking down payments from 21 customers and failing to complete projects. Agriculture Policy: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is collecting public input on the socioeconomic impact of large-scale dairies after MPCA decided not to require an Environmental Impact Study for a proposed West River Dairy expansion near Morris. EV Charging Buildout: MnDOT plans to invest $41M+ in new DC fast chargers, targeting stations every 50–75 miles along major US and state highways. Rural Livestock Concerns: Minnesota cattle producers are bracing for potential price pressure after Trump’s plan to temporarily allow more foreign beef. Workforce Mental Health: MDA and partners are offering free fall trainings for farm suicide prevention, including QPR for Agriculture sessions in Worthington and Marshall.

Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure: Britain is warning that Iranian-linked hackers could target water systems, after U.S. probes tied attacks to more than 30 Minnesota water facilities. Energy & Data Centers: A new poll finds 60% of Minnesotans oppose data centers, as officials cite a growing pipeline of proposals and residents raise concerns about land, power, water use, and costs. Local Power Reliability: Detroit Lakes Public Utilities GM Vernell Roberts was recognized by the American Public Power Association for modernizing the system and keeping rates among the lowest in Minnesota. Defense Innovation: Wisconsin is seeking a “front door” hub status to connect defense assets to industry and research, with Minnesota’s aerospace complex cited as a model. Civil Legal Aid: Justice North, formed from a merger, is expanding free civil legal services across 33 counties in Northern Minnesota. Mining & Politics: State Rep. Lisa Demuth highlighted mining priorities on the Iron Range during visits with federal and state allies. Public Safety & Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker shows Minneapolis and St. Paul lead Minnesota scam reports, with Anoka among cities reporting rising losses. Sports Business: MLB is weighing roster and pitching-rule changes after blowouts increasingly feature position players on the mound.

Wildlife & Pollinators: Le Sueur’s “Ferry Garden” is drawing monarchs to liatris and other native flowers, with the owner tying the project to long-running habitat lessons and a Monarch Waystation commitment. Community & Sports Media: The hockey world is planning the Jessi Pierce Community Cup in St. Paul to honor Jessi Pierce and her three children after a White Bear Lake house fire. Local Business & Immigration/Trade: A Minnesota State Fair vendor is sharing how Nepal tragedy is hitting her family and her business that employs women making handmade goods. Mining & State Politics: State Rep. Lisa Demuth highlighted northern Minnesota mining priorities during Iron Range visits, arguing mining can be part of Minnesota’s future “safely.” Public Health & EMS: Minnesota is pushing to raise bystander CPR rates after data showed only 39% of people attempted CPR in cardiac arrest outside hospitals. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show diesel and multiple gasoline grades hitting county-by-county lows in the week ending Aug. 29, with statewide averages generally higher than the prior week. AI Regulation: A federal judge upheld Minnesota’s ban on AI “nudification” tools, allowing fines to proceed while the case continues. Environmental Policy: A Trump plan to rescind the Roadless Rule is drawing alarms about potential logging and mining impacts near the Grand Canyon. Wildlife Management: Trump’s order starts a federal review that could change protections for gray wolves, with Minnesota listed among states with large populations.

Minnesota DNR Digital Hunting Shift: Minnesota hunters now validate deer harvests through the DNR website/app instead of using physical tags, a change that could trip up less tech-savvy hunters. Public Health & Food Safety: A Salmonella outbreak tied to broccoli sprouts has sickened 16 people across three states, with no recall issued yet—leaving shoppers to rely on state advisories. Workforce & Training: Minnesota moves veterinary technicians to required licensure starting July 1, 2026, aligning the state with most others and reshaping entry paths at schools like Ridgewater. Energy Costs: Diesel hit a record high nationally and in Minnesota, with AAA citing global fuel disruptions tied to the Iran conflict—raising transport costs for freight, farming, and groceries. Local Governance: Sherburne County residents packed budget town halls to challenge a proposed 9.6% levy increase, pushing back on unfunded state/federal mandates. Industry & Construction: MnDOT schedules a high-traffic I-394 to I-94 ramp closure Sept. 11-14 for bridge repairs, with detours via major routes.

School Funding Vote: Minnesota districts are watching a Nov. 3 constitutional amendment tied to the Permanent School Fund that could lift per-student support from about $68 to $101 without raising taxes. Mining & Local Business: Governor candidate Lisa Demuth toured a Mountain Iron supplier making rubber linings for mining equipment, arguing mining shutdown plans threaten small manufacturers. Food Safety: Walmart frozen berry recalls expanded again after E. coli concerns tied back to a Chilean supplier, including Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend sold in 16 states (including Minnesota). Public Health & Environment: Great Lakes scientists warn blue-green algae in Lake Superior is becoming more frequent and may signal worsening lake health. Local Economy & Data Centers: Duluth-area businesses are cutting ties with the Chamber after it backed a Hermantown data center, calling the move a betrayal. Manufacturing Growth: Niron Magnetics is moving forward on a major Sartell plant, targeting up to 175 jobs and opening in 2027. Permitting Watch: New building permits were published, including multiple residential remodels and commercial projects across the Fargo-Moorhead area.

EPA & Permitting: The Trump administration is pushing an EPA proposal that would let states issue air permits for data centers and other industrial projects without a binding public-notice and comment step, raising alarms that communities could lose a say while developers move faster. Labor Day Energy Costs: AAA reports Labor Day 2026 gas prices are on track to hit a record, with crude volatility tied to Middle East risk keeping prices elevated. Minnesota Agriculture: Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative says 2026 sugarbeet pre-pile harvest is pointing to strong root yields, with early digs in the 25–28 tons per acre range. Local Industry & Construction: A West Babbitt Development Project paving schedule slips about 10 days due to subcontractor delays, though officials still target Sept. 30 infrastructure completion. Workforce & Culture: Prairie Business highlights the region’s 2026 “Best Places to Work,” with engineering, construction, manufacturing, tech, healthcare and more represented among top employers. Minnesota Manufacturing Spotlight: Hibbing’s Electric Power Door says it designs and builds custom secure vault and blast doors, using U.S.-sourced steel from local taconite mines.

Food Safety: Walmart shoppers in Minnesota and 15 other states are being told not to eat Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend (10 oz; UPC 7874211226; lot 6040 01-6; best-by Feb. 9, 2028) after an expanded E. coli O145 recall tied to a Chilean supplier. Energy & Infrastructure: The U.S. Forest Service will keep its Grand Rapids research lab open after a reorganization review, while Minnesota drivers get Labor Day travel reminders from MnDOT as construction and crashes can slow trips. Power Grid Planning: Midcontinent Grid Solutions is seeking public feedback on the BECI project, a major transmission plan that would connect proposed lines across the region and aims to cut congestion and avoid new power plants. Labor & Industry: The United Steelworkers says it’s returning home after weeks of talks with Cleveland-Cliffs and U.S. Steel, with about 4,000 Minnesota taconite-plant workers still operating under an extended contract. Local Business & Community: Initiative Foundation Main Street grants have pushed more than $4M into Central Minnesota projects, leveraging $34M+ in additional investment. Public Lands: Banning State Park’s campground will close starting Sept. 8 for shower-building replacement, with 2027 camping lost and a reopening planned for 2028.

Manufacturing Deal: Stellar Industries (Iowa) is acquiring Luverne-based Midwest Fire, keeping Midwest Fire’s headquarters and operations in Luverne while expanding Stellar’s work truck lineup into fire and emergency response. Workforce & Training: A letter urges Minnesota to expand apprenticeships and skills training—doubling registered apprenticeship slots—to feed shortages in biotech, health care, construction, and advanced manufacturing. Public Safety Tech: RedVeil says it launched an AI-driven procurement relief package for municipal water systems after Minnesota-linked cyberattacks, aiming to help public works teams find vulnerabilities faster. Outdoor Recreation Policy: Minnesota DNR is moving deer hunting away from physical tags to a mostly online digital validation process, which could be tough for hunters without smartphones. Biomanufacturing Expansion: The University of Minnesota’s Minnesota Biomanufacturing Services is expanding fivefold on the St. Paul campus, boosting capacity for microbial and fungal fermentation used in pharma and environmental applications. Wildland Firefighting: A new $6.3M DNR air tanker and helibase operations center is under construction at Range Regional Airport in Hibbing, with completion targeted for mid-October. Agriculture & Soil Health: Farmers and experts met in Crookston for a Northwest Minnesota Tillage Expo focused on reducing soil erosion and improving reduced-tillage practices.

Transportation & Construction: Minneapolis’ Hiawatha Avenue makeover is set to begin Sept. 8, adding pedestrian signals, crosswalks, refuge areas, and safer turn lanes, with Metro Blue Line service continuing during work. Energy & Fuels: MnDOT is pushing EV fast charging beyond the interstates, with $41.2M for up to 40 Greater Minnesota sites under NEVI. Cybersecurity: NetSPI and Synack announced a definitive merger to form a larger offensive security platform using agentic AI plus expert testing. Tech Workforce: C.H. Robinson in Eden Prairie earned Forbes/Statista recognition as a Best Employer for Tech Workers 2026. Local Development: St. Cloud approved building permit fee increases aimed at reducing taxpayer subsidies, drawing pushback from homebuilders. Agriculture & Trade: A central Minnesota farmer warned U.S.-Canada trade tensions could disrupt potash availability and raise costs heading into next spring. Outdoor Infrastructure: Otter Tail County won LCCMR funding for the Glacial Edge Regional Trail Cabbage Hill segment, targeting safer paved, ADA-accessible biking and walking. Legal/Insurance: Farmers’ auto repair guidance says ADAS-equipped vehicle fixes may require scans, calibration, and safety system testing, potentially adding time and cost.

Industrial Expansion: Stellar Industries (Iowa) bought Luverne’s Midwest Fire, keeping Midwest Fire’s Luverne HQ and operations while expanding into fire and emergency-response vehicles. Agriculture & Policy: Rep. Angie Craig is pushing for congressional hearings on the farm economy, citing rising input costs and pressure on rural communities. Housing: At the Minnesota State Fair, Klobuchar and Demuth will take part in a housing forum focused on shortages, affordability, construction costs, and homelessness. Energy & Weather: Severe storms hit southeast Minnesota, knocking out power for thousands in the Rochester area. Manufacturing & Jobs: Big Lake is weighing a 550,000-square-foot industrial project that could create about 125 jobs, with the site under consideration on agricultural land. Local Government: Kandiyohi County approved pursuing a grant for courthouse security upgrades, including locks and security systems. Ag Data Modernization: USDA is launching a tech-heavy pilot to improve crop acreage and yield estimates after farmer complaints about data accuracy and staffing cuts. Clean Tech/Industry: DOE’s Industrial Technologies Office selected projects to speed adoption of industrial technologies aimed at lowering costs and boosting energy productivity. Community & STEM: Inspiration Space Port in St. Cloud is planning a year-round family destination featuring a full-scale Space Shuttle mock-up inside a large LED dome.

Manufacturing & Jobs: ME Elecmetal will host a Duluth Manufacturing Day open house Oct. 3 with foundry tours and live casting demos, aiming to spotlight modern metal casting careers. Food Processing Automation: Mrs. Gerry’s says a new FANUC automated packaging and palletizing line cut staffing from 12 to 2–3 workers and supports about 36 million pounds of product annually. Local Housing Development: St. Peter and CoNorth are partnering on a “first-of-its-kind” affordable neighborhood using up to 60 manufactured homes, with phases planned on city-owned land. Retail Tech Upgrade: Best Buy is expanding “shop-in-shop” Meta Labs experiences, including a Roseville, Minn. location, as it revamps stores nationwide. Energy & Transportation Costs: Gas prices remain volatile in Minnesota counties, with Pipestone regular hitting $3.94 (week ending Aug. 22) and diesel in Renville at $5.19. Policy & Compliance: Minneapolis passed an ordinance banning algorithm-based rent setting, while renters may qualify for a share of a RealPage settlement fund tied to 2018–2025 rent use. Trade & Inflation Watch: Senate Democrats, including Amy Klobuchar, push to repeal Trump tariffs as Canada signals retaliation. Public Safety & Health: Kratom addiction concerns are rising among middle-class parents in Detroit Lakes, and a federal judge-approved Meta settlement adds new child-safety limits for Minnesota teens.

EPA & Biofuels: Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association says an EPA move expanding Renewable Fuel Standard small-refinery exemptions could cut demand for biofuels, urging the agency to restore nearly 800 million gallons of lost blending requirements and expand year-round E15 access. Consumer Protection: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison announced a $100,000 settlement with Midwest Car Search over alleged used-car fraud, including claims vehicles were “certified,” adding service contracts without consent, and failing to provide required warranties and disclosures. Ag Youth: Minnesota Farm Bureau sponsored 25 4-H livestock exhibitors at the State Fair Purple Ribbon Auction, backing young leaders in beef, market swine, sheep, and dairy steer competitions. Water Infrastructure & Safety: Rochester is studying how to keep up with growth as it nears limits on adding new wells into the Jordan aquifer; meanwhile, CISA says a coordinated cyber attack hit 100+ water systems in July, including 30+ Minnesota community systems, with operational disruption but no reported safety contamination. Major Construction: Groundbreaking is underway for the Blatnik Bridge replacement between Duluth and Superior, backed by more than $1B in federal funding, with the new bridge expected to open in 2031.

Transportation & Infrastructure: Duluth officials officially launched construction to replace the Blatnik Bridge, with the current span staying open until 2027 and the new bridge expected to open in 2031; Minnesota and Wisconsin each approved $400M and the federal government committed $1.05B. Energy Reliability: Freeborn Mower Electric, MiEnergy and People’s Energy issued a peak energy alert for Monday afternoon, urging voluntary load-shed and conservation steps from 2–6 p.m. Consumer Protection: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison announced a $100,000 settlement with Midwest Car Search and owner Scott Spiczka over alleged deceptive used-car practices targeting Spanish speakers, including claims about “certified” vehicles and added service contracts. Manufacturing Spotlight: Public voting opened for the Minnesota Chamber’s “Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota” contest, featuring 64 Minnesota-made products in a bracket-style tournament through Oct. 6. Local Economy & Housing: Ramsey’s City Council approved a TIF for a senior housing project that includes assisted living, memory care and independent living, with new language tied to ethical labor practices. Agriculture & Youth: Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation sponsored 25 Minnesota 4-H livestock exhibitors at the Purple Ribbon Auction during the State Fair.

Agriculture & Rural Health: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture and partners are rolling out free QPR for Agriculture suicide-prevention trainings, including an Oct. 1 session in Fergus Falls, aimed at helping people in farm communities spot warning signs and connect to support. Industrial Real Estate & Construction: Hyde Development and Mortenson are moving forward on the Twin Lakes Technology Center in Roseville, a 155,000-square-foot industrial project on a long-dormant brownfield site, targeting completion in February 2027. Housing & Development: Sherman Associates closed on a $136.5 million mixed-income multifamily project in downtown Rochester, adding 349 homes near the Mayo Clinic campus. Energy Policy & Cooperatives: Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative hosted a legislative event with rural electric co-op leaders and lawmakers to discuss Minnesota’s energy future and rural reliability/affordability priorities. Engineering & Regulation: A federal judge ruled Strong Towns founder Charles Marohn can legally use the “professional engineer” title despite Minnesota’s licensing board objections. Public Safety & Fraud: BBB Scam Tracker logged 14 scam reports in Minneapolis for the week ending Aug. 22, with online purchase scams driving the biggest losses. Local Infrastructure Oversight: Wright County commissioners are questioning a proposed “satellite ground station” project in Rockford Township and pushing for clearer local involvement. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show midgrade gas as low as $4.13 in Benton County (week ending Aug. 22), while diesel pricing remains higher statewide, averaging $5.29 in Minnesota for the same week.

Construction & Infrastructure: Edina’s $45M Braemar Ice Arena renovation is delayed up to eight weeks after crews hit frozen soil as deep as 12 feet under the East Rink floor; concrete can’t be poured until the ground thaws, pushing work to a Jan. 1, 2027 restart and forcing youth hockey schedule adjustments. Transportation Projects: Blaine begins work on a new Highway 65 pedestrian/bicycle bridge; the southbound turn lane from Hwy. 65 to 113th Ave closes Aug. 31 to allow pile driving for bridge abutments and piers, with a signed detour and a weather-dependent reopening by early November. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show E15 pricing easing in Minnesota’s counties, including Ramsey County’s lowest E15 at $3.78/g (week ending Aug. 22) and Stearns County’s low at $3.68/g, while statewide E15 averages around $3.92/g. Local Food Security: KOOTASCA Community Action is asking for help as demand rises in Itasca and Koochiching counties; from January through July 2026, its pantries served 431 households (1,121 people), including 363 children, citing higher food costs and delayed state funding. Minnesota Politics: Sen. Amy Klobuchar defends her record and challenges Lisa Demuth in the governor’s race, including debate over whether a Boundary Waters mining ban executive order would be extended.