International Falls is Going Global
On the historic main street of International Falls stands a beautiful building that may have a big future. Today it is a vacant school, known as the AB/Backus building, but the people of 
International Falls hope it will become a community center, buzzing with the sounds of people and computers working together. Residents are answering the question:
What is the best way to strengthen the economy and culture of this northern town?
A Place to Grow
International Falls is a peaceful place on the rocky pine shores of Rainy Lake and has become the site of deep community involvement. The people of this northern town are working together with Blandin Community Investment Partnership (BCIP) to plan for a bright future.
The residents’ vision is for the AB/ Backus building to be the new center of technological development and culture, possibly including a business incubator, artist lofts, and a cyber café, as well as utilizing an existing 900-seat performance auditorium. It is a plan that preserves the past and draws upon existing resources to provide tools for needed change.
Historically, Boise Cascade, the local paper company, has provided the majority of jobs in this area. However, changes in the timber industry have increased people’s need for technological skills and savvy. To combat the declining population trends of recent years International Falls residents are looking to the tools available for people who maintain:
* their pastoral lives in the country,
* the way they want to live, and who
* use computers to make it possible.
International Falls has tremendous beauty, quiet, and culture to offer and the people do not want a lack of economic opportunity to force them to move. If the jobs are not coming to the town, then the town will go to the jobs.
After months of planning and assessment among community members of all backgrounds, a strategy for preserving and improving life here was established. According to Julie Schumacher, a passionate volunteer for the project, “BCIP has allowed us to bring in experts to help guide us in making good decisions. It has been a very healthy process and we are so grateful for this opportunity to address quality of life issues and to invest in the future of our beautiful home.”
Proceed with Caution
One example of the guiding experts is a team of architects who presented the results of a re-use study of the AB/Backus building. They presented a number of renovation options ranging from hiring a private developer to public financing. The architects’ presentation has prompted a healthy next step in efforts to improve life in International Falls. Key stakeholders are exploring building re-use options, grappling with such questions as: Who will be the new building owner? What are we willing to invest? It is a collaborative effort and the stakeholders include:
* the school board,
* the mayor of International Falls,
* the International Falls City Council,
* Boise Cascade,
* Rainy River Community College, and others.
Julie explains, “the community has the information now, and we have to decide how to proceed. It is not an easy road, especially in rural Minnesota. Economic and population declines require a closer look at risks. That is why we are proceeding carefully.”
Gathering Momentum
Participation in the Blandin community leadership program has solidified a team of people 
committed to bringing the plans to fruition through carefully considered steps. “I believe so strongly in this process, Julie emphasizes. “The citizens of International Falls have voices and constructive ways to have them heard. The development priorities identified are very good and will enable the community to move ahead. I want to give something back to the place [where] I grew up. My heart is here, at Rainy Lake and with the people of International Falls.” Many others agree.
This loyalty is evident through the involvement of local arts clubs, government, schools, the concert association, community education, and many individuals in the center’s planning stages. Good news recently came to the project in the form of a technology catalyst grant from the MN Department of Trade and Economic Development. It will bring high-speed wireless service to the entire county, an essential step in creating needed telecommunications infrastructure.
Residents of International Falls have garnered important resources and are working to optimize them. A centrally located building, transformed into an incubator for creativity and knowledge, will foster a well-rounded, economically secure place to live. As with any long-term vision, patience and commitment are needed to fulfill the goals. According to Julie and many others on the rocky shores of Rainy Lake it is a worthy challenge and a hopeful future.