Mitch Calkins Email & Phone Number

Fargo, North Dakota Area

I serve as a resource for rural communities in southeast North Dakota on a variety of community and economic development projects. I am responsible for managing the region's Community Development Block Grant allocation as well as acting as fiscal agent for APUC grants. I also led the update of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy for 2018 through 2022. I am capable of assisting communities with crafting plans and finding solutions to their most pressing problems.

* Facilitate small breakout group sessions for Introduction to Sociology course* Assisted faculty with research project, grading, and literature reviews* Lead research project on local food system in the Fargo-Moorhead area

• Assisted in both the land use planning and community development sections of the department in daily operations and with self-directed projects.• Tasks include answering questions from residents on land use regulations, creating promotional materials for the department’s activities, assisting with outreach events, applying for grant funding for storm water basin project, and data collection for a bicycle friendliness award application among other tasks.

*Served as a resource to students, faculty, and staff on issues related to student activities and organizations.*Contacted student leaders about need to submit required forms (e.g. waivers, risk management, etc.) and followed up to ensure completion.*Recognized for “Superior Service” – Muse Awards 2013

Moorhead, Minnesota

*Assisted with the procurement process of passenger waiting shelters; including obtaining desired specifications from community partners, wrote a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for engineering services, and drafted an easement agreement*Researched applicability of Davis-Bacon Act on procurement activities*Assisted with creating Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on website*Created emergency response manual to be placed on-board MATBUS vehicles*Researched MATBUS's ability to receive refunds on fuel taxes*Combined inventory spreadsheets to simplify reporting process*Crafted a policy revision to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Plan that included small businesses in the procurement process. This was submitted to and approved by the Federal Transit Administration*Complied MATBUS policies on non-discrimination and complaint procedures per Title VI

Master'S Degree, Sociology

Bachelor'S Degree, Political Science/Sociology/Community Development (Minor)