SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Representative Jay Xiong (DFL-St. Paul) and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced nearly $6.2 million in grants to support local community and economic development on Minnesota’s main streets. $1.29 million of those investments are headed to the Latino Economic Development Center in Rep. Xiong’s district.
“I’m grateful for these workforce and small business funds to help bring more vitality to the Eastside so all of our residents can thrive,” said Rep. Xiong. “At a time when we’re seeing chaos and cuts at the federal level, I’m proud we’re investing in working-class Minnesotans in the North Star state.”
Businesses that apply for and receive funding from the partner organizations can use the funds for property repair or renovation, building construction, landscaping and street scaping. Since 2021, more than 600 businesses supported by Main Street grantees have raised $696 million in matching funds. The awards have also helped create or retain more than 8,700 jobs and increase local tax bases by almost $369 million.
In the 2023-2024 biennium, Rep. Xiong chaired the House Workforce Development Finance and Policy Committee.
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