U.S Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith successfully pushed for the inclusion of $1 million in federal funding in the draft Fiscal Year 2023 federal budget for the City of Moorhead to build a “Community Center for Entrepreneurship” for the planned Community Center/Public Library.

This Congressionally-directed spending will be used to create co-working and business incubator space for developing and small businesses. This Center for Entrepreneurship will be located within a new Community Center and Regional Library proposed for Downtown Moorhead. In November, Moorhead voters will have the opportunity to approve a half-cent local option sales tax to fund the Community Center and Regional Library.

“Tools for entrepreneurs—such as three-dimensional printing, recording studio, conferencing, and others—were mentioned by Moorhead residents numerous times when we held community input sessions this spring,” said Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson. “We are so grateful to Senators Klobuchar and Smith for recognizing this opportunity and including it in the federal budget proposal. This addition will make the Community Center and Regional Library – when it is approved in November – an even more important addition to our downtown and to our City.”

Inclusion of the Community Center for Entrepreneurship within the project will make Moorhead a stronger, more equitable and resilient City by promoting job creation and vitality while providing opportunities for individuals to improve their lives by developing businesses.

“Small businesses and entrepreneurs move our country forward, transforming today’s new innovations into tomorrow’s booming businesses,” said Klobuchar. “This project will establish a small business incubator to provide local entrepreneurs with the space and resources they need to turn their ideas into action. I am proud to have worked with local leaders to push for this funding commitment and I know these resources will make a real difference for so many businesses and entrepreneurs across Moorhead.”

“I was thrilled to see the City of Moorhead’s Community Center for Entrepreneurship be included in the preliminary federal budget for next year. The city has consistently demonstrated its commitment to investing in economic health and maintaining a high quality of life for everyone who lives there,” said Smith. “This center will contribute to the revitalization of Moorhead’s downtown area by supporting new and existing small businesses as they work to innovate and grow, and their emphasis on the development of women and immigrant entrepreneurs is especially important. I’m hopeful this will be included in the final budget and look forward to seeing the positive impact this new center will have on the community.”

About the Community Center and Regional Library

As part of the City of Moorhead’s strategic plan and with the support of the Moorhead City Council, Mayor Shelly Carlson appointed a Community Center/Regional Library Task Force in 2021 to work with the community to develop the vision for this project, including features/amenities and location. Some broad parameters have been developed after residents provided feedback at several public input sessions. The project vision includes: