The state of Bemidji's economy... - Public Insight Network | Minnesota Public Radio

The state of Bemidji's economy...

Minnesota faces a new reality in July. Programs and services for the state's poorest residents may well be cut or eliminated depending on the budget outcomes.

The financial impact will hit hard in the Bemidji area, because it's surrounded by some of the state's poorest counties. The challenge comes as people around Bemidji work to help low-income people make ends meet.

This follows a live forum hosted by MPR News, the Bemidji Pioneer and Lakeland Public Television held June 21 at the American Indian Resource Center on the Bemidji State University campus.

We'd like your help in keeping a smart conversation going online around these questions. Please answer a few questions below to help. MPR News will post some of those responses on our website, as will the media partners in this project. Your experiences and your insights can keep a dialogue strong.

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E-mail *

First Name *

Last Name *

Street Address

City *

State or Province *

Postal Code *

Country

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How would you assess the job picture in Bemidji and Beltrami County since the Great Recession officially ended?

It has improved over the last 12-18 months
It's stayed about the same over the last 12-18 months
It has worsened over the last 12-18 months

Please explain a bit more about your answer just above.

How would you define the level of poverty in your community?

It seems to be lower than it was 12-18 months ago
It seems about the same as it was 12-18 months ago
It seems higher than it was 12-18 months ago

Please explain your answer just above.

What's your connection with those who are in economic distress? (check all that apply)

I have a personal relationship with people struggling to stay afloat economically
My work brings me in contact with people in economic trouble
I work on an effort to improve the local economy
I have been personally affected by the local economy
Other

Please expand on the answer(s) above.

Imagine you're talking to Beltrami County leaders who ask: "How should government and the local business community improve economic conditions?" How would you respond?

If you know of any programs or initiatives that have worked to improve job creation and reduce poverty, would you tell us about them? Tell us how you know about this effort.

What else should we know about economic conditions in the Bemidji region?

We are trying to get a public discussion on this issue going and would like to publish your insights and attribute them to you? May we do so? (Your comments may be edited for length or clarity.)

Yes
No
Contact me first

Just to get a better sense of who you are, please answer a couple of biographical questions.

In what year were you born?

What is your household income?

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